Abstract

The process by which technological innovation is adopted and diffused within an industry persists as a key research interest in the existing literature. Furthermore, the innovation and diffusion of ICT (information and communications technology) in general and smartphones in particular are viewed as a useful resource to support and foster socio-economic wellbeing in developing countries. As such, sustainable design and development of smartphone industry in developing world and their contribution to socio-economic wellbeing has drawn significant research attention. In the current study, we explore and analyse various factors and their inter-relationships that initiate, support and disseminate technological innovation within the smartphone industry in Bangladesh and Indian province of West Bengal who share linguistic, historical and cultural ties. Drawing on the concept of co-creation of value we develop a dialectical perspective toward multi-stakeholder involvement in smartphone industry’s creation of value. Through in-depth interviews with senior government and private sector employees, industry experts, researchers, and small and medium enterprise owners, we conclude that the development of ancillary industries, contextually appropriate apps and innovation by small enterprises and inter-industry collaborations contribute to current and future innovation and sustainable development of smartphone industry.