Creativity as the main determinant of implementing frugal innovations in enterprises

Purpose: The article aims to define the role that creativity plays in implementing frugal innovations. The article also aims to list examples of innovative, frugal solutions as well as to indicate activities that would stimulate the creativity of employees in enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach: This is an exploratory study that is based on a systematic review of available literature on frugal innovation and creativity. The research was based on both Polish and foreign literature, articles, and internet sources.

Findings: The issue of frugal innovations has recently become "fashionable" in the good sense of the word. Inventive and cheap offers of products and technologies launched on markets are characterised by demonstrable dynamics. The article emphasises, in particular, the role of creativity in creating innovative, frugal solutions.

Research limitations/implications: Although the problem of frugal innovations is known and described, it is also true that publications focussing on and discussing this issue are still lacking. The article, therefore, aims to encourage decision-makers to support the creativity of their employees in order to develop frugal innovations. Nevertheless, the discussed topic requires further research.

Originality/value: The article is based on existing knowledge in the field of creativity and frugal innovations. The added value of the article is a combination of both issues, emphasising the role of employees' creativity in creating frugal innovations, which is illustrated in the form of the proposed model of the innovative process based on creativity.