Pathways To Scaling Rural Innovations In Eastern India: A Review Of Socio-Economic And Cultural Dimensions

Abstract

The purpose of this study paper is to investigate the socio-economic and cultural aspects of scaling rural innovations in Eastern India. Particular attention is paid to states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. When it comes to solving regional concerns such as poverty, poor infrastructure, and social inequality, rural innovations have a transforming role in addressing these issues. While putting an emphasis on inclusion and sustainability, the major purpose of this study is to investigate the obstacles and possibilities that exist for the acceptance and scaling of innovations in rural areas.

Using only secondary data sources such as peer-reviewed publications, policy reports, and case studies, the study follows a review-based process. Economic hurdles, cultural opposition, policy frameworks, and sustainability concerns form the context of the analysis. Financial inclusion, community involvement, and traditional knowledge systems are some of the important elements that this article highlights as impacting innovation adoption by combining findings from previous research. It draws attention to the fact that cultural norms and beliefs may play a dual role in facilitating or impeding the spread of innovations.

The significance of localised solutions, participative approaches, and thrifty innovations in overcoming obstacles and achieving fairness is highlighted by key results. The research also highlights how existing policy frameworks are lacking in several areas, such as prioritising marginalised people or addressing sustainability in the long run. We provide policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders some suggestions on how to make rural innovations more impactful and scalable.

This research adds to the expanding body of knowledge on rural development by providing practical recommendations for creating innovation ecosystems that are welcoming to all in Eastern India. Research in the future should focus on evaluating the scalability of solutions that are context-specific across varied rural contexts and investigating digital tools for innovation dissemination.