Abstract
Abstract:
Using first-hand data collection from enterprises in the informal sector and their stakeholders, this study argues that enterprises in the informal sector are innovative however their innovation activities follows a different undercurrent. The study puts forward that indicators for capturing innovation activities as well as the actors involved in innovation activities are very different from those identified in literature as informed by the Frascati and Oslo manuals used for capturing innovation and innovation activities. Also, the nature of relationship among the actors and stakeholders in the innovation system follows a soft (informal) approach. These alternative patterns include learning by doing, using, interacting, imitating, producing and searching to business innovation. The study also advanced the importance of tacit knowledge acquired through on-the-job learning, traditional apprenticeship system, indigenous knowledge system, amongst others. Finally, the study identified high prevalence of innovation in the informal sector in Nigeria.