In a recently published article, my co-author and I argue that low-income markets have unique constraints that trigger the co-evolution of innovation and disruption in such markets. When disruptions occur in global supply chains, and in particular, in low-income markets, they spur innovations that may be necessary to address both existing and potential future disruptions. However, such innovations in turn create disruptions to existing supply chains, and they may also create new supply chains. We highlight the unique opportunities and constraints that exist in the low-income market contexts that result in interesting and unique dynamics between innovation and disruption. Further, we identify the mechanisms through which innovation-disruption mutual causality occurs—as well as the boundary conditions for these mechanisms.
Using several case examples including Chotukool, Lagos, Nigeria Apapa port, MPesa, Momo, E-Choupal, Zipline drone technology, Dabbawallah, Danone South Africa, Kobo 360, Nestlé’s miniaturized “pure water” sachets, Barefoot College, Diagnostics for all, and Haul247 we discuss how disruption and innovation reinforce each other. Our study presents an integrated framework that considers the underlying characteristics of supply chain disruption and innovation. Supply chain disruption is characterized by impact (which can be low or high), probability (which is high), and level of control (which is low). We characterize innovation by considering whether it is affordable, available, accessible, has high level of awareness/relevance, and has low resource requirement. The mutual causality between supply chain disruption and innovation is strengthened by human and social capital that organizations in low-income markets are able to develop and creative resourcing that needs to move from autonomous to directed over time. Our study also emphasizes that weak institutions can paradoxically strengthen the force with which disruption and innovation reinforce each other. In addition to these moderating factors that strengthen the relationship between disruption and innovation, we also discuss the motivations, cognitive and social mechanisms that link supply chain disruptions to innovation, as well as information availability, structural changes and social equity that link innovation to supply chain disruption. The integrated framework presented in the paper is as follows:
This study offers directions for policy makers and managers regarding the macro-level and micro-level factors that influence innovation and disruption, as well as how to navigate the interplay between disruption and innovation in LIMs. It is noteworthy that this interplay can act as both a deterrent and an opportunity. An understanding of how LIM micro-level and macro-level factors influence disruption and innovation should help in decision-making and policy formulation. In addition, this study provides guidance to policy makers to work closely with organizations, as new innovations within these companies help to manage disruptions emanating from LIM constraints, thereby requiring innovative thinking on the policy front as well. Public-private partnerships can ensure that resource-constrained innovations at the organizational level are optimized and strengthened through policy innovations at the macro level.
Source: Goke, A., Nair, A. 2023. From Chaos to Creation: The mutual causality between supply chain disruption and innovation in low-income markets. Journal of Supply Chain Management, Vol. 59, Iss. 3, 20-41.