An Analytical Framework for Studying Grassroots Innovation Movements

In this chapter we do two things. First, we elaborate our grounds for conceptualizing the field of study as consisting of grassroots innovation movements. Second, we develop a framework for analysing grassroots innovation movements in South America, India and Europe from historical and comparative perspectives. Drawing on a combination of ideas from research literatures on social movements, science and technology studies, and theories of innovation, including recent work on grassroots innovation, we develop a framework for understanding these particular movements’ historical antecedents, motivations and strategies for innovation and development, as well as their engagements or disconnects with ‘conventional’ innovation approaches and mainstream development pathways, as set out in Chapter 1.