The Centre for Policy Research invites you to a discussion on:
Grassroots Innovations and Value Theory: Insights from Innovators in Jammu & Kashmir
By:
Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, School of Management, Zhejiang University
About the Discussion
Of late, innovation studies have taken a keen interest in exploring various components of informal sector grassroots innovations, but, its connections to policy-making remain insufficiently explored, with limited attention to the diverse, idiosyncratic nature of the informal grassroots innovation processes. A key reason is the prioritisation of exchange value, scalability and large scale commercialisation, overlooking other significant human centric values discussed in ‘value theory’. In this session, the speaker will highlight the significance of informal sector grassroots innovations and the value that these innovations generate, based on ten years of ethnographic research in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The generation of a diverse set of values, ranging from use value to socially embedded reciprocal exchange value to different forms of relational and non-relational intrinsic values will be highlighted. A review of various policy suggestions including intellectual property rights, commercialisation and standardisation on a mass scale, the role of awards and recognition for informal sector innovations, and the importance of feedback and standardisation will also be discussed.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh currently works at the School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, where he is researching the dynamics of ‘secondary innovations’ in China. His research interests include the economic history of innovations, alternative theories on innovations and non-formal grassroots innovations, informal economy, and the development of the people at the margins. He has recently co-edited the book ‘Informal Sector Innovations: Insights from Global South’ (Routledge, 2015). Dr. Sheikh received his PhD from the Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Please RSVP at president.cpr@cprindia.org. The seating at the venue can accommodate up to 60 people on a first come first serve basis.
