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.