Global Lessons In Frugal Innovation To Improve Health Care Delivery In The United States

Bhatti, Yasser; Taylor, Andrea; Harris, Matthew; Wadge, Hester; Escobar, Erin; Prime, Matt; Patel, H; Carter, Alexander W; Parston, Greg; Darzi, Ara; Udayakumar, K. R.

doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2017.0480

Cited by 49 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…For example, Rao [61 p. 50] noted that "multiple design iterations might be warranted even after adopting a rigorous design process to iron out all the weak spots of a frugal product." In addition, employee experimentation or trial-and-error is considered vital in production for overall continuous improvement (see [15] and [20]).…”

Section: ) Characteristics Related To Time Dynamics Of Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Frugal Processes: An Empirical Investigation Into the Operations of Resource-Constrained Firms

Knizkov

Arlinghaus

2021

IEEE Trans. Eng. Manage.

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The severe resource constraints that characterize markets at the bottom of the world's economic pyramid have forced firms to innovate both their products and processes. However, discourse in frugal innovation literature on how firms can design frugal processes in response to the resource constraints they face remains relatively sparse. Based on a systematic literature review, in this article we consolidate existing work on the process echelon of frugal innovation. We outline three ways frugal processes that have been conceptualized in the literature thus far, and distill their key characteristics. Based on an exploration of the supply chains of 87 small-and medium-sized enterprises, we show how firms configure these characteristics to overcome resource constraints at each stage of their supply chain. Ultimately, we propose three archetypes of a frugal supply chain that firms can strategically adopt. Firms with the primary goal of increasing consumer access to affordable products opt for a supply-chain structure that favors traditional economies of scale, and postpone any decentralization as further downstream as possible. In contrast, firms aiming to provide consumers with greener alternatives can adopt a hyperdecentralized structure throughout their supply-chain, which is made economically viable through low-cost approaches to distributed manufacturing. Firms interested in empowering local communities should consider hybrid structures that balance the high costs of investments in local capabilities. Index Terms-Base of the pyramid, bottom of the pyramid, emerging markets, frugal innovation, process innovation, smalland medium-sized enterprises, supply-chain management, sustainability, sustainable operations. I. INTRODUCTION F RUGAL innovation emerged from highly practice-oriented origins, as an approach by companies trying to achieve the price and functionality requirements of their customers at the bottom of the world economic pyramid, who, at times, earn as little as two United States Dollar (USD) a day [58]. Companies operating in bottom of the pyramid markets frequently face constraints such as limited material resources, limited financial resources, as well as limited institutional or infrastructural Manuscript

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Section: ) Characteristics Related To Time Dynamics Of Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Frugal Processes: An Empirical Investigation Into the Operations of Resource-Constrained Firms

Knizkov

Arlinghaus

2021

IEEE Trans. Eng. Manage.

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“…These responses bear the hallmarks of so-called 'frugal innovation'-that is, doing more, with less, for the many, and being creative, innovative and resourceful in the face of institutional voids and resource constraints 5 . This has been the reality of the experience of many low-and middle-income countries, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why so many frugal innovations emerge from these contexts [6][7][8] . Frugal innovation has been touted for its merits in serving the needs of the poor or the bottom of the pyramid 9 , formaking business internationally competitive 10 and forachieving sustainable development 11 .…”

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confidence: 99%

Fast and frugal innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Harris

Bhatti

Buckley

et al. 2020

Nat Med

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120

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“…In 2015 we conducted a global search of hundreds of cost-saving innovations including products, processes and policies that addressed all types and domains of healthcare 10 11. Key criteria used to evaluate frugality included affordability, adaptability and accessibility.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Malawi to Middlesex: the case of the Arbutus Drill Cover System as an example of the cost-saving potential of frugal innovations for the UK NHS

et al. 2018

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BackgroundMusculoskeletal disease is one of the leading clinical and economic burdens of the UK health system, and the resultant demand for orthopaedic care is only set to increase. One commonly used and one of the most expensive hardware in orthopaedic surgery is the surgical drill and saw. Given financial constraints, the National Health Service (NHS) needs an economic way to address this recurring cost. We share evidence of one frugal innovation with potential for contributing to the NHS’ efficiency saving target of £22 billion by 2020.MethodsExploratory case study methodology was used to develop insights and understanding of the innovations potential for application in the NHS. Following a global search for potential frugal innovations in surgery, the Arbutus Drill Cover System was identified as an innovation with potential to deliver significant cost savings for the NHS in the UK.ResultsThe Arbutus Drill Cover System is up to 94% cheaper than a standard surgical drill available in the UK. Clinical and laboratory tests show that performance, safety and usability are as good as current offerings in high-income countries and significantly better than hand drills typically used in low-and-middle-income countries. The innovation meets all regulatory requirements to be a medical device in the Europe and North America.ConclusionsThe innovation holds promise in reducing upfront and life span costs for core equipment used in orthopaedic surgery without loss of effectiveness or safety benchmarks. However, the innovation needs to navigate complicated and decentralised procurement processes and clinicians and healthcare leaders need to overcome cognitive bias.

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Global Lessons In Frugal Innovation To Improve Health Care Delivery In The United States

Cited by 49 publications

References 23 publications

Frugal Processes: An Empirical Investigation Into the Operations of Resource-Constrained Firms

Frugal Processes: An Empirical Investigation Into the Operations of Resource-Constrained Firms

Fast and frugal innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

From Malawi to Middlesex: the case of the Arbutus Drill Cover System as an example of the cost-saving potential of frugal innovations for the UK NHS

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