Open Source Hardware and Its Potential Role in Sustainable Development Efforts: A Study on Economic, Social & Environmental Implications in Rural Kenya
Abstract
Recognizing the profusion of inefficiencies and anachronistic notions in
economic theory, it may be time for a transition from today's "business as usual." As
a contextual introduction, this paper comprehensively deploys a novel open-source
innovation framework in an attempt to discern plausible economic, social and
environmental effects cardinal to sustainable development efforts in lower-developed
countries (LDC's). With this context established, the primary focus is to
assess the impact of open source design and the access to technologies in rural
Kenya. Theoretical analysis will be carried out based on Structural Change Theory,
supplemented by real-world data to deduce the overall.impact as well as the ability
meet pre-established developmental goals.