An Empirical Comparison of Consumer Innovation Adoption Models: Implications for Subsistence Marketplaces

So called “pro-poor” innovations may improve consumer wellbeing in subsistence marketplaces. However, there is little research that integrates the area with the vast literature on innovation adoption. Using a questionnaire where respondents were asked to provide their evaluations about a mobile banking innovation, this research fills this gap by providing empirical evidence of the applicability of existing innovation adoption models in subsistence marketplaces. The study was conducted in Bangladesh among a geographically dispersed sample. The data collected allowed an empirical comparison of models in a subsistence context. The research reveals the most useful models in this context to be the Value Based Adoption Model and the Consumer Acceptance of Technology model. In light of these findings and further examination of the model comparison results the research also shows that consumers in subsistence marketplaces are not just motivated by functionality and economic needs. If organizations cannot enhance the hedonic attributes of a pro-poor innovation, and reduce the internal/external constraints related to adoption of that pro-poor innovation, then adoption intention by consumers will be lower

Perceptions and Dynamics Affecting Acceptance of 3D-Printed Bridal Lehenga in India

In India, the wedding industry is booming as a result of growing affluence. Indian brides are inclined towards spending an extravagant amount on exclusive, high-fashion, designer bridal wear. There is, however, almost no published research that examines the aesthetic and other preferences of bridal couples in India in respect of bridal wear, including how predisposed couples are to innovate in its design. 3D printing is a popular aid in visualizing prospective designs and in prototype testing, being gradually applied in the creation of haute couture and mass-produced fashion products. The paper reports research on consumers’ attitudes towards and use intention regarding 3D-printed bridal lehengas. Data was collected from Indian bridal wear consumers and decision-makers through semi-structured interviews. The results suggest that respondents had a positive attitude towards the technology, having a higher perception of the aesthetics and wearability of 3D-printed bridal lehenga