Indicators of grassroots innovations in Iran: A mixed method study

Grassroots innovations are bottom-up solutions for solving problems that meet local needs and take into account their interests and values. The main purpose of this study is to identify the indicators of grassroots innovations in Iran. This research is based on a mixed method approach with an explanatory design. Participants were first selected using a quantitative method and then quantitative data were explored by using a qualitative method. The quantitative part was a survey design with Delphi technique and the qualitative part was done using the phenomenological design and the focus group technique. The tools were semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. SPSS software was used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The content validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating the CVI index and different methods were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the qualitative part. Findings showed that grassroots innovation in Iran is defined in seven main themes: problem-solving, environmental protection, economics, practicality, independence from government, availability and use of technology. The results of this study provide a basis for comparing grassroots innovation in Iran and the rest of the world and can be useful for policymakers in science, technology and innovation in terms of sustainable development.