Multi-agent value co-creation and technological innovation in rural water supply in South Africa

Abstract

Lack of access to clean water in rural areas is a challenge affecting billions of people across many developing countries. Although many technological innovations have been developed in response, their adoption is low in rural areas. This study investigates the interactions of multi-agents in co-creating technological innovation designed to address societal challenges in rural areas, using South African case studies. The literature review suggests that processes involving preparation, co-defining, cocreating and implementing solutions can be used to study the value brought by harnessing the contributions by a variety of actors. The mapping of actors, including their motivations, is highlighted as critical in co-creating sustainable solutions in a typical rural area. Using two water purification technological innovations, a content analysis of semistructured interview data, actor-network mapping, and inductive coding of critical information about the current state of rural water supply was undertaken. In particular, the analysis focussed on the value generated by co-creation. In the study, a qualitative approach using a combination of the innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance model offered an interesting lens for studying technological innovation acceptance and adoption in rural areas. The study identified that co-creating technological innovations with rural communities led to community empowerment. An added benefit was that the study addressed water supply challenges, improved product design and led to higher technology acceptance and adoption. The study also highlighted a coordinated approach which can be used by government, the private sector and the community for the benefit of all participants, by transferring technology and knowledge in response to societal challenges.