Research focus

Abstract

This section aims at laying out the overarching research design for this dissertation. The two previously discussed research fields, BoP and user innovation, are brought together introducing the topic of consumer innovation at the BoP. Considering the current state of research, this leads to identification of the research gap and formulation of resultant research questions. A framework is introduced to provide structural guidance for the analysis of antecedents of BoP consumer innovation. The research framework is based on the social cognitive theory (Bandura 1986) and the componential concept of creativity by Amabile (1983). The elements of the research framework are then presented in greater detail with explanations for their operationalization. Based on assumed relationships between the individual framework elements, this section concludes by formulating research hypotheses, which will be tested in subsequent chapters.