It’s no denying that technology is important to innovation, however many business leaders make the mistake to think of technology as innovation. Others think innovation can’t happen without technology. This is a commonly held belief that Innovation leader Gianfranco Zaccai debunks in his sit down with us. Sometimes, innovation happens without technology or innovation happens and then is enhanced by technology. Cases such as when providing solutions to the poor, illiterate and population facing the technological divide?

Not every opportunity for innovation requires technology, sometimes it requires removing technology- Gianfranco Zaccai

From healthcare to finance to agriculture, innovation happens with all people groups. An approach to take when seeking to serve the most remote users is to think first and foremost of meeting their needs, before seeking out if and only if technology can enhance the value being provided. While companies are seeking ways to solve challenges of meeting the needs of customers, innovation can sometimes happen without technology.

Your turn: How do you intend to design a new service or product to be valuable and usable among poor, illiterate, least digital savvy populace in your context?