Using the Community Capital Framework to Understand the Potential for Inclusive Innovation

Rural people in Peru are often socially excluded with limited access to basic social services (education and health), necessary infrastructure (roads, energy, potable water and sewage), unemployment, lack of democratic representation and cultural discrimination. Recently, “inclusive innovation” approaches have engaged community members in improvements to infrastructure and services with a focus on social processes and outcomes where socially excluded groups are active citizens in the decision-making and learning processes, supporting their capacity and social equity. The impact of an energy innovation on social inclusion was investigated in three case study communities, implementing the same renewable energy project in rural Peru using the Community Capitals Framework (CCF). We discuss the importance of local participation through the development of collaborative relationships over time, the facilitation of learning processes and the strengthening of local institutions. It is crucial to have entry points for more inclusive strategies, in which rural communities can better influence and manage innovation processes in Peru and Latin America.