The Myth of Frugal Innovation in India

We examine the evidence from large bibliometric databases to see if India is on the way to be able to 'market its distinctive expertise in frugal innovation to the world' and to 'establish a research programme on "science of science and innovation policy"'; two of the recommendations that a recent celebrated report on India's potential for frugal innovation made. We find that there are countries which are more profligate than India in the scramble for leadership in innovation, and also that there are countries which are harnessing their resources more effectively toward the same goal.