ABSTRACT
Foreign imports dominate technological development and can discourage innovation conducted by the more vulnerable groups of society. The ability of small firms to design and market new products plays an important role within the overall process of innovation. The case study presented concerns the innovation of a broom made by re-using waste material rather than by the traditional method of using piassava fibre. Recognition of the micro and small enterprise sector as an important one for design and innovation in less industrialised countries (LIC) raises the more general issue of appropriate support. In LICs, in contrast to goods and services provided by larger enterprises the goods and services provided by small firms are more likely to be appropriate to the customs, needs and financial availability of poor consumers. The case illustrates the creativity of lay design activity by an entrepreneur and has wider significance for micro enterprises in LICs.
