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Exploring technological adaptation in the informal economy: A case study of innovations in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe

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  • Tarisai Kudakwashe Manyati
  • Morgen Mutsau

Abstract

Little attention has been given to the processes and factors that facilitate technological adaptation by informal innovators operating in small and medium enterprises in Zimbabwe. This article sought to establish how and why technological adaptation occurs in the informal economy. We conducted observations and 20 in-depth interviews with purposively sampled informal innovators who operate at Mbare Siya So in Harare, Zimbabwe. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the primary data. The findings indicate that the production and marketing techniques of informal innovators are inspired by the need to reduce the cost of agricultural technologies, such as dehullers, and thus meet the purchasing capabilities of small-scale farmers. These informal innovators rely on secrecy and complex innovations as knowledge-management strategies to protect their intellectual property and in the process are able to ward off competition on the local market. Through constant learning and experience these informal innovators have managed to correct the unsuitability of imported Chinese products by manufacturing appropriate agricultural technology that small-scale rural farmers prefer. This study recommends that the informal innovators should register patents to protect their innovations formally.

Suggested Citation

  • Tarisai Kudakwashe Manyati & Morgen Mutsau, 2019. "Exploring technological adaptation in the informal economy: A case study of innovations in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe," African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(2), pages 253-259, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:rajsxx:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:253-259
    DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2018.1552650
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    Cited by:

    1. Ganlin Pu & Md. Qamruzzaman & Ahmed Muneeb Mehta & Farah Naz Naqvi & Salma Karim, 2021. "Innovative Finance, Technological Adaptation and SMEs Sustainability: The Mediating Role of Government Support during COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-27, August.
    2. Mehak Majeed & Saeed Owais Mushtaq & Zahid Gulzar Rather, 2022. "The Complementarity Between the Formal and Informal Sub-sectors of the Indian Industry," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 65(4), pages 981-1006, December.
    3. Sharma, Gautam & Dahlstrand, Åsa Lindholm, 2023. "Innovations, informality, and the global south: A thematic analysis of past research and future directions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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