Innovations in Asia: Selected case studies

• Main Author: Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2017
• Subjects: entrepreneurship; business innovation; Asia; Asian Studies; Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/iie_research/4; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=iie_research
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This book is a compilation of seven case studies written by faculty and staff of Singapore Management University (SMU) and has been edited in conjunction with the inaugural Asia Pacific Innovation Forum organised by the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) and hosted by SMU in December 2014. These cases have been carefully selected to illustrate the various challenges inherent in creating entrepreneurial and business innovations. The first five cases are related to start-ups by experienced professionals and students. Jayashree is an excellent case that shows how an individual with very little education was able to design and implement a solution – based on his own observations – for meeting market needs at the bottom-of-the–pyramid. It is also a case that can be used to discuss the challenges faced in the product development and manufacturing stages. Innova Technology was included to discuss how a company decided the best market to enter out of several go to market alternatives. It also examines the necessary due diligence required in product development. Quantine is a good example of how some successful entrepreneurs must pivot their offerings based on market feedback and opportunities. Quantine chose to stay within its initial industry of interest. Rainmaker Labs follows the story of an industry practitioner turned entrepreneur in his endeavor to create an interesting product that he hopes will revolutionise the retail world. Jungle Beer is an interesting case that introduces the challenges faced by a start-up offering a differentiated product in an existing product line, and the accompanying challenges in scaling up the company. The last two cases are innovations by established players. The Gillette case explores marketing innovation in consumer goods and elaborates how Proctor and Gamble managed to increase their market share in India despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles to consumer adoption. Encompass further adds to the discussion of scaling up an existing business.