A Study of Frugal Innovation Practices in the Informal Sectors of Developing Countries
Nigeria informal sector case study — Understanding how innovators create value with limited resources, and the role of support institutions like yours.
Please read the following key information before providing your consent. The full ethics and data protection details are summarised below.
🎯 Purpose of the study
To understand how informal sector innovators develop frugal innovations and to explore the support provided by institutions (banks, NGOs, cooperatives, etc.). Your perspective as a formal institution representative is invaluable.
🤝 Why you have been invited
You are a representative of an institution (e.g., bank, microfinance cooperative, trade body) that supports informal entrepreneurs or innovators in Nigeria.
⏱️ What participation involves
One interview lasting 30–60 minutes (in-person, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or WhatsApp). With permission, the interview will be audio/video recorded for accuracy. You may also allow photos/videos of innovations (optional).
🕊️ Voluntary participation & withdrawal
Participation is completely voluntary. You can decline any question or stop at any time. You may withdraw your data up to 4 weeks after the interview – after that, data may be anonymised and included in analysis.
🔒 Confidentiality & anonymity
All information will be treated confidentially. Your name and identifiers will be removed or pseudonymised in all outputs (thesis, publications, presentations) unless you explicitly agree otherwise. Direct quotations may be used, but anonymised.
💾 Data storage & security
Data stored on password-protected devices and university-approved secure systems (EEA servers). Only the researcher and supervisory team have access. Anonymised data may be shared in research repositories.
PhD thesis · academic publications · conference presentations.
Royal Holloway REC: [RHUL-EREC-2025-042]
UK GDPR & DPA 2018 – you can contact dataprotection@royalholloway.ac.uk
Laura Opone — Laura.Opone.2022@live.rhul.ac.uk
Supervisor: L.N.Chari@rhul.ac.uk
Complaints / ethics: ethics@rhul.ac.uk | formal complaint: integrity@rhul.ac.uk
✍️ Digital consent form
Please complete the secure Tally form below to give your informed consent. The form includes all items from the Participant Consent Document (checkboxes for each statement, audio/video permissions, optional photo/video, and digital signature).
🔐 Your data is encrypted. After submission, you'll receive a copy of your consent for your records.
📌 After completing and submitting the consent, Laura Opone will contact you within 2 business days to schedule the interview (MS Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, physical meeting as per your preference).
Flexible interview modes
Choose what suits you: in-person (Lagos/Abuja/Kano), Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp video, or even a phone call. We adapt to your schedule.
Time-saving design
No printing, no scanning. Digital consent + auto-scheduling after form submission. We respect your time as a leader in the financial sector.
Trusted by institutions
GDPR compliant, ethics approved by Royal Holloway. Your participation helps shape inclusive innovation policies in developing economies.