Inclusive Innovation: An Exploration of the Diffusion of Innovations Marked by Stigma and Taboo

There is mounting evidence of innovations with disenfranchising effects for vulnerable societal groups. Yet important questions are left unanswered regarding their opposites, i.e. inclusive innovations that do benefit the disenfranchised. This research project addresses this oversight by studying barriers and drivers in the development and diffusion of inclusive innovations directed at stigmatized and tabooed issues and users. The findings will help to unravel the uphill battle organizations face in their innovations’ development and diffusion due to the sensitive, prohibitive and covert character of these issues. Ultimately, these innovations may help to lift taboo and stigma for those who face it.