Linking universities and marginalised communities: South African case studies of innovation focused on livelihoods in informal settings

Abstract

The project aims to make a conceptual and methodological contribution to research on innovation, development and higher education. It challenges the focus of innovation studies - typically on science and technology, radical innovation and economic development in formal sectors - and extends the remit to encompass innovation that is incremental, takes doing, using, and-interacting modes, and is based in informal settings. In turn, the tendency of development studies to focus on top-down development is challenged in favour of inclusive development that focuses on participation by the marginalised as active agents to ensure sustainable benefits.