We problematize the knowledge emanating from indigenous people and entrepreneurship as crucial to sustainable development, yet scholars and practitioners have rarely focused on how indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurship serve as a strategy for sustainable development. To address this, we undertake a wide-ranging literature review of research that in some form explores indigenous knowledge, entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation within a sustainable development context. Our work advances the current debates on sustainable development to consider indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurship as valuable tools in addressing grand sustainability challenges and uncovers implications for the entrepreneurship policy agenda in the process. In particular, we show how indigenous knowledge, entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation resulting from the entrepreneurial actions of indigenous entrepreneurs serve as unexploited idiosyncratic sources of sustainable development and growth in Africa. The article concludes that promising avenues exist to utilise indigenous knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovation emanating from grassroots to achieve sustainable development.
AgrawalA. (1995). Dismantling the divide between indigenous and scientific knowledge. Development and Change, 26, 413–439. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7660.1995.tb00560.x
2.
AkpomuvieO. B. (2011). The role of traditional skills and techniques in the development of modern science and technology in Africa. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(13), 178–186.
3.
AvelarS., Borges-TiagoT., AlmeidaA., & TiagoF. (2024). Confluence of sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation and digitalization in SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 170, 114346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114346
4.
AssefaA., Waters-BayerA., FinchamR., & MudaharaM. (2008). Comparison of frameworks for studying grassroots innovation: Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) and Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation, Systems (AKIS). In SagingaP., Waters-BayerA., KaariaS., NjukiJ., & CheshaW. (Eds.), Innovation Africa: Enriching farmers’ livelihoods, (pp. 35–56). Earthscan.
5.
BhaumikS. (2005). Tsunami folklore saved islanders. BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4181855.stm
6.
BonfantiA., GrescenzoV. D., SimeoniF., & AdauiC. R. L. (2024). Convergences and divergences in sustainable entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship research: A systematic review and research agenda. Journal of Business Research, 170(C), 114336.
7.
BosmaN., AcsZ., AutioE., CodurasA., & LevieJ. (2009). Global entrepreneurship monitor: 2008 executive report. Babson College, Universidad del Desarrollo. London Business School, Global Entrepreneurship Research Consortium (GERA).
8.
BraungartM., & McDonoughW. (2009). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. Vintage.
9.
BruecknerM., SpencerR., WiseG., & MarikaB. (2014). Indigenous entrepreneurship: Closing the gap on local terms. Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 17(2), 2–24.
10.
ButkevicieneE. (2009). Social innovations in rural communities: Methodological framework and empirical evidence. Social Sciences, 1(63), 80–88.
11.
CardosoF. H., & FalettoE. (1979). Dependency and development in Latin America. University of California Press.
12.
DouthwaiteB. (2006). Enabling innovation: Technology-and system-level approaches that capitalize on complexity. Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, 1(4) 93–110.
13.
DruckerP. (1985). Innovation and entrepreneurship. Practice and principles. William Heinemann Ltd.
14.
FerraroV. (2008). Dependency theory: An introduction. In SecondiG. (Ed.), The development economics reader (pp. 58–64). Routledge.
15.
FreseM., & FriedrichC. (2002). From the editors of the special issue on entrepreneurship in Africa. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 7(3), 1–5.
16.
FressoliM., ArondE., AbrolD., SmithA., ElyA., & DiasR. (2014). When grassroots innovation movements encounter mainstream institutions: Implications for models of inclusive innovation. Innovation and Development, 4(2), 277–292. https://doi.org/10.1080/2157930X.2014.921354
17.
GanguliP. (2000). Intellectual property rights: Mothering innovations to markets. World Patent Information, 22(1–2), 43–52.
18.
GrenierL. (1998). Working with indigenous knowledge: A guide for researchers. International Development Research Centre.
19.
GuptaA. (1995). People’s knowledge for survival: Grassroots innovations for sustainable natural resource management [Paper presentation]. Paper presented at the IFADs International Conference on Hunger and Poverty.
20.
GuptaA. (1999). Securing traditional knowledge and contemporary innovations: Can global trade links help grassroots innovations? Honey Bee Perspective [Paper presentation]. Invited Paper for World Trade Forum, Bern, Switzerland,
21.
GuptaA. (2001). Framework for rewarding indigenous knowledge in developing countries: Value chain for grassroots innovations (p. 3). WTO Expert Committee.
22.
GuptaA. K. (2000). Grassroots innovations for survival. LEISA, India, 2(2), 20–21.
23.
GuptaA. K., SinhaR., KoradiaD., PatelR., ParmarM., RohitP., PatelH., PatelK., ChandV. S., JamesT. J., ChandanA., PatelM., PrakashT. N., & VivekanandanP. (2003). Mobilizing grassroots’ technological innovations and traditional knowledge, values and institutions: Articulating social and ethical capital. Futures, 35(9), 975–987.
24.
HeggerD. L., Van VlietJ., & Van VlietB. J. (2007). Niche management and its contribution to regime change: The case of innovation in sanitation. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 19(6), 729–746.
25.
HuangY., LiP., BuY., & ZhaoG. (2023). What entrepreneurial ecosystem elements promote sustainable entrepreneurship?Journal of Cleaner Production, 422, 138459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138459
26.
InyangB. J. (2008). The challenges of evolving and developing management indigenous theories and practices in Africa. International Journal of Business and Management, 3(12), 122–132.
27.
IslamM. R. (2013). Indigenous knowledge as social capital. The International Journal of Social Sciences, 10(1), 65–79.
28.
JamesD. (1988). Accumulation and utilization of internal technological capabilities in the Third World. Journal of Economic Issues, 22(2), 338–353.
29.
JhaV. K., & PandeA. S. (2024). Making sustainable development happen: Does sustainable entrepreneurship make nations more sustainable?Journal of Cleaner Production, 440, 140849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.140849
30.
KrishnanR. (2005). Transforming grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge into a formal innovation system: A critique of the Indian experience. Indian Institute of Management.
31.
KuznetsS. (1973). Modern economic growth: Findings and reflections. The American Economic Review, 63(3), 247–258.
32.
LalondeA. (1993). African indigenous knowledge and its relevance to sustainable development. In InglisJ. T. (Ed.), Traditional ecological knowledge: Concepts and cases Ottawa (pp. 55–62). Canadian Museum of Nature.
33.
LancasterL. C. (2015). Innovative vaulting in the architecture of the Roman Empire: 1st to 4th centuries CE. Cambridge University Press.
34.
LazonickW. (2004). Indigenous innovation and economic development: Lessons from China’s leap into the information age. Industry and Innovation, 11(4), 273–297.
35.
LindsayN. (2005). Toward a cultural model of indigenous entrepreneurial attitude. Academy of Marketing Science Review, 2005(5), 1–18.
36.
MafimisebiO. P. (2016). Project management practice: Lessons learned from project failures in Nigeria. European Journal of Business and Management, 8(1), 105–118.
37.
MafimisebiO. P., & NkwunonwoU. C. (2015). Environmental risk: Exploring organizational resilience and robustness. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 6(1), 1103–1115.
38.
MafimisebiO. P., & OgbonnaO. C. (2016). Environmental risk of gas flaring in Nigeria: Lessons from Chevron Nigeria and Ilaje crisis. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 7(1), 180–204.
39.
MafimisebiO. P., & OgunsadeA. I. (2022). Unlocking a continent of opportunity: Entrepreneurship and digital ecosystems for value creation in Africa. FIIB Business Review, 11(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/23197145211018172
40.
MafimisebiO. P., & ThorneS. (2015). Oil terrorism-militancy link: Mediating role of moral disengagement in emergency and crisis management. Journal of Emergency Management, 13(5), 447–458.
41.
MafimisebiO. P., & ThorneS. (2017). Vandalism-militancy relationship: The influence of risk perception and moral disengagement. International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, 35(3), 191–223.
42.
MagniG. (2017). Indigenous knowledge and implications for the sustainable development agenda. European Journal of Education, 52(4), 437–447. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12238
43.
MashelkarR. (2001). The Indian innovation system. Development outreach. World Bank.
44.
MawireP. R. (2013). The missing link: Implications of the modernisation theory and the dependency theory in Africa’s quest for development. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 13(5), 41–44.
45.
MgbeojiI. (2007). African indigenous knowledge systems and patents: Is the patent system relevant to the native healers of Southern Nigeria? In BoonEmmanuel K. and HensLuc, (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable development: Relevance for Africa (pp. 77–91). Kamla-Raj Enterprises.
46.
MonaghanA. (2009). Conceptual niche management of grassroots innovation for sustainability: The case of body disposal practices in the UK. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 76(8), 1026–1043.
47.
NietoM. J., & SantamaríaL. (2010). Technological collaboration: Bridging the innovation gap between small and large firms. Journal of Small Business Management, 48(1), 44–69.
48.
OchollaD. (2007). Marginalized knowledge: An agenda for indigenous knowledge development and integration with other forms of knowledge. International Review of Information Ethics, 7(09), 1–10
49.
OjongN., SimbaA., & DanaL. (2021). Female entrepreneurship in Africa: A review, trends, and future research directions. Journal of Business Research, 132, 233–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.032
50.
OnwuegbuzieH. (2014). The entrepreneurial learning process of indigenous knowledge entrepreneurs [PhD dissertation]. Lancaster University Management School.
51.
OnwuegbuzieH. (2016). A 21st Century paradigm for entrepreneurs and policy makers: Applying modern scientific methods to indigenous innovation. In LiddleJ. (Ed.), New Perspectives on research, policy & practice in public entrepreneurship (pp. 103–126). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
52.
OnwuegbuzieH. N., & MafimisebiO. P. (2021). Global relevance of scaling African indigenous entrepreneurship. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 166(C), 120629.
53.
OvadjeO. O., AyemobaO. R., & ThompsonO. (2006). Evaluation of the cost effectiveness EATSET autotransfusion. International Review of the Armed Forces Medical Services, 79(3), 91–195.
54.
PanseraM., & SarkarS. (2016). Crafting sustainable development solutions: Frugal innovations of grassroots entrepreneurs. Sustainability, 8(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8010051
55.
PathakR. (2008). Grass-root creativity, innovation, entrepreneurialism and poverty reduction. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 8(1), 87–98.
56.
PeredoA. M., AndersonR. B.GalbraithC. S., HonigB., & DanaL. P. (2004). Towards a theory of indigenous entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 1(1/2), 1–20.
57.
PindadoE., AlarconS., SanchezM., & MartinezM. G. (2023). International entrepreneurship in Africa: The roles of institutional voids, entrepreneurial networks and gender. Journal of Business Research, 166, 114109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114109
58.
PurcellT. W. (1998). Indigenous knowledge and applied anthropology: Questions of definition and direction. Human Organization, 57(3), 258–272.
59.
SenB. (2005). Indigenous knowledge for development: Bringing research and practice together. International Information and Library Review, 37(4), 375–382.
60.
SeyfangG., & SmithA. (2007). Grassroots innovations for sustainable development: Towards a new research and policy agenda. Environmental Politics, 16(4), 584–603.
61.
ShahidM. S., HossainM., ShahidS., & AnwarT. (2023). Frugal innovation as a source of sustainable entrepreneurship to tackle social and environmental challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production, 406, 1376050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137050
62.
SillitoeP. (1998). The development of indigenous knowledge. Current Anthropology, 39(2), 223–252.
63.
SrinivasS., & SutzJ. (2008). Developing countries and innovation: Searching for a new analytical approach. Technology in Society, 30(2), 129–140.
64.
Subba RaoS. (2006). Indigenous knowledge organization: An Indian scenario. International Journal of Information Management, 26(3), 224–233.
65.
TerjesenS. (2007). Building a better rat trap: Technological innovation, human capital, and the Irula. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 31(6), 953–963.
66.
UNESCO. (1999). UNESCO Report [Paper presentation]. Paper presented at the Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge and the Science Agenda—Framework for Action, Budapest.
67.
VermaS., TsephalS., & JoseT. (2004). Pepsee systems: Grassroots innovation under groundwater stress. Water Policy, 6(4), 303–318.
68.
WarrenD. M., & RajasekaranB. (1993). Putting local knowledge to good use. International Agricultural Development, 13(4), 8–10.
69.
WarrenD. M., von LiebensteinG. W., & SlikkerveerL. J. (1993). Networking for indigenous knowledge. Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor, 1(1), 2–4.
70.
WarrenM. (1992). Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity conservation and development[Conference session]. International Conference on Conservation of Biodiversity in Africa: Local Initiatives and institutional Roles, Kenya.
71.
World Bank Report. (1994). Indigenous knowledge for development: A framework for action: Knowledge and learning centre. Africa Region.
72.
World Bank Report. (2001). Indigenous knowledge for development. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/9792?locale-attribute=en
73.
ZahirA. (2006). African contributions to civilizations: Prehistoric to modern times. http://www.africancontributions.net/aboutac.html
74.
ZiaiA. (2007). Exploring post-development theory and practice, problems and perspectives. Routledge.
