Confusing Innovation with 'Jugaad'

Jugaad is the much talked about Indian way of making things happen, usually through unusual improvisations, spur of the moment thinking, making do with resources available close at hand.

Jugaad: When a problem (situation) is solved (addressed) in a way that typically disregards rules, processes, is low cost, immediate, can be applied with least resources, with the only consideration being whether the apparent problem has been solved for now.

Some aspects emerge as we compare Jugaad with Innovation:

Jugaad	Innovation
Resourcefulness	Resourcefulness+Mindfulness
Hit & trial	Design thinking, strategic
Localized impact	Wide-ranging benefits
Low cost, short term fix	Long term, sustainable solution
Immediate problem solved	Long term consequences also benefit
Unusual application of resources	Designed applications of resources
Breaks the process	Develops new process
Difficult to replicate	Designed to scale
Makes do by meeting minimal expectations of quality	Meets design expectations

To be fair, there are a handful of situations when a Jugaad may be the best way to find a solution.  I can think of life-threatening situations when we may not have the luxury of doing a time-consuming causal analysis or resourcing.  But whenever we do apply a Jugaad for expediency, we must review it at the earliest opportunity for sustainability.

By its inherent nature, Jugaad is typically not sustainable.  We should be very concerned if more than 15% of our environment shows signs of Jugaad.  It is important to identify where, when, how much, and for how long a Jugaad is in place. 

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As per the internet, Jugaad is described as follows:

“Jugaad” is a Hindi term that signifies a resourceful, inventive, and often improvised solution to a problem, typically using available resources in a creative and cost-effective way. It represents a “making do” approach to problem-solving that has become a defining characteristic of Indian ingenuity. 

Key aspects of Jugaad: 

• Resourcefulness:

Jugaad involves making the most of what’s at hand, often in situations where conventional solutions are unavailable or too expensive. 

• Flexibility:

It’s a dynamic approach that adapts to constraints and changes as needed. 

• Innovation:

While often improvisational, jugaad can lead to novel solutions and ways of thinking. 

• Cost-effectiveness:

Jugaad solutions prioritize affordability and efficiency, often using recycled materials or repurposed items. 

• Bottom-up approach:

It often originates from the grassroots level, where people in various communities develop their own ingenious fixes. 

Beyond a simple fix: 

• A cultural phenomenon:

Jugaad is not just a problem-solving strategy; it’s also deeply embedded in Indian culture and identity, reflecting its resilience and adaptability. 

• A business model:

Many companies, both in India and internationally, have embraced jugaad principles as a means of fostering innovation, particularly in emerging markets. 

• A way of life:

For many in India, particularly in rural areas, jugaad is an everyday necessity and a reflection of their resourceful and resilient way of living. 

In essence, jugaad is about finding creative, affordable, and often ingenious solutions to problems, using whatever resources are available, and often with a touch of humor and practicality.

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