Investigating the value chain of modern artisanal innovation

Bharat Rao, Ashwin Goutham Gopi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Handmade and custom artisanal goods have seen a global resurgence across several niche market segments, especially over the last decade. However, the study of modern artisanal production and the economy around it has largely been ignored. Besides accounting for only a small scale of production and consumption, artisanal goods are perceived as not conforming to contemporary development and production processes. We argue that current artisanal production has moved away from purely traditional methods and has evolved to incorporate innovative practices. In fact, due to their willingness to experiment, they are quicker to integrate new solutions into their products and processes. Similar themes can also be seen in the practices and perception of their consumers. This provides a niche phenomenon that is ripe for analysis from a technology and innovation perspective. In this paper, we will analyze artisanal value propositions and techniques for design, production, and the effect of branding on such niche products. Through interviews with key decision makers, enablers, funders, and consumers of artisanal projects, we investigate their motivations, methods of design and production, and use of creative design, branding, and technological tools. We then describe implications for researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the manufacturing industry, artisanal or otherwise.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPICMET 2016 - Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology
Subtitle of host publicationTechnology Management For Social Innovation, Proceedings
EditorsTimothy R. Anderson, Dundar F. Kocaoglu, Kiyoshi Niwa, Gary Perman, Dilek Cetindamar Kozanoglu, Tugrul U. Daim
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1037-1042
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781509035953
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 4 2017
Event2016 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology, PICMET 2016 - Honolulu, United States
Duration: Sep 4 2016Sep 8 2016

Publication series

NamePICMET 2016 - Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology: Technology Management For Social Innovation, Proceedings

Other

Other2016 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology, PICMET 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu
Period9/4/169/8/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Information Systems and Management

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