Paper short abstract:

The paper considers Russian grassroots innovations within this multi-factoral context defining its specifics, environment and place in NIS. It examines innovation policy, degree of its inclusiveness and the extent to which needs of the grassroots people are targeted and/or supported in this policy

Paper long abstract:

Grassroots innovation (GRI) phenomena sparks increasing interest in science circles. Researches of various countries are engaged in describing, analysing and conceptualising this occurrence. Based on these researches it's possible to define basic factors, triggers and environment of GRI development in low- and middle-income countries, such as large informal sector of economy and high poverty level as main environment for GRI generation; shortage of resources or access to it (i.e. water, food, energy) as a factor of GRI demand; existence/creation of infrastructure for GRI promotion with active participation of government, academic sector and business.

GRI concepts applied for developed as well as developing countries may have limited application for describtion GRI activity occuring in Russia. Limited size of informal sector in Russia, low absolute poverty level and sufficient share of highly educated population put Russia apart from GRI environment/triggers/demands inherent to developing countries. Weak civil society, «narrow» public policy in S&T and innovation development, lack of interaction between society and government in this field distinct Russian case from European or American ones.

The paper considers Russian GRI within this multi-factoral context defining its specifics, environment and place in NIS. It examines innovation policy, degree of its inclusiveness and the extent to which needs of the grassroots people are targeted and/or supported in this policy. Based on the selected case studies, expert interviews and policy documents analysis, prospects and implications for GRI development and policy interventions in this field are summarized.