Appropriate Innovation for Asian Emerging Markets in a Digital World: A Strategic Framework

George  Abonyi; David Abonyi

doi:10.18096/TMP.2022.01.01

Authors

George Abonyi Chulalongkorn University, Sasin School of Management
David Abonyi Thai-Canada Economic Cooperation Foundation, Bangkok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18096/TMP.2022.01.01

Keywords:

Appropriate innovation, Asian emerging economies (ASEAN, China, India), additive manufacturing (3D printing), export strategy, business-social enterprise partnership, government-business collaboration

Abstract

Growth in spending in Asian emerging economies will be driven to a large extent by lower-middle income and lower-income households. They constitute a vast “2nd tier” underserved market, much of it located in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. This study develops a framework for appropriate innovation strategy aimed at this substantial market. We identify key relevant characteristics of the leading Asian emerging economies of ASEAN, China and India; that often do not get sufficient attention. The proposed strategic framework then builds on selected examples of appropriate innovation; incorporates the potentially important role of unconventional partnership between business and social enterprise for this market; and develops the supporting role of digital technology, in particular, additive manufacturing (3D printing). We conclude by presenting policy implications of an appropriate innovation strategy, involving government-business collaboration.

Author Biographies

George Abonyi, Chulalongkorn University, Sasin School of Management

Senior Research Fellow and Visiting Professor,

Senior Advisor, Fiscal Policy Research Institute (FisPRI), affiliated with the Ministry of Finance, Royal Thai Government

David Abonyi, Thai-Canada Economic Cooperation Foundation, Bangkok

Senior Advisor

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