Revitalizing tribal economic systems through indigenous entrepreneurship: Innovations and strategies

Abstract

Amid growing global interest in sustainable and inclusive development, indigenous entrepreneurship and grassroots innovations are increasingly recognized as powerful yet underexplored pathways for community resilience. This study investigates how such innovations contribute to the revitalization of tribal economic systems, with a specific focus on Indian tribal communities. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations conducted with 45 participants across diverse tribal regions. Findings highlight that grassroots innovations grounded in traditional knowledge foster economic development and cultural continuity. These innovations also offer pragmatic solutions in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and energy. However, their wider diffusion is constrained by financial limitations, geographical isolation, and cultural resistance. The research highlights the importance of creating enabling policy environments and providing institutional support to overcome these barriers. By demonstrating the contemporary relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality, the study advances the sustainable development discourse. Theoretically, it extends the Diffusion of Innovations framework by incorporating socio-cultural dimensions pertinent to tribal contexts. It also advocates for longitudinal research and examines how emerging technologies, such as blockchain and AI, could enhance market access for indigenous entrepreneurs.