Jugaad - frugal and flexible approach to innovation for the 21st century.

Jugaad (in Hindi language) is, quite simply a unique way of thinking and acting in response to challenges, it is the gutsy art of spotting opportunities in the most adverse circumstances and resourcefully improvising solutions using simple means. It is also the ingenious way to game the system. 

Jugaad is about doing more with less.

It is widely practiced by emerging economies such as China and Brazil where entrepreneurs are also pursuing growth in difficult circumstances. 

Jugaad in India is jeitinho in Brazil, zizhu chuangxin in China and jua kali in Kenya.

For the sake of convenience, jugaad = innovation for the rest of the piece.

Money cannot buy innovation, the need to solve a problem does.

Over-emphasising processes and compliance lead to a risk averse culture that restrain innovation.

Innovation is not invention. It is the conversion of a new idea in to consumer delight and ultimately into revenues and profits. If an idea or technology cannot be successfully commercialised, it is not innovation.

Below are six principles of jugaad:

• Seek more opportunity in adversity

• Do more with less

• Think and act flexibly

• Keep it simple

• Include the margin

• Follow your heart

Collectively, these six principles help drive resilience, frugality, adaptability, simplicity, inclusivity, empathy and passion.