Entrepreneurial innovativeness in tribal communities: evidence from grassroots enterprises in North-East India

Purpose This study examines the innovativeness of tribal entrepreneurs in North-East India. This study aims to understand how individual attributes (age, gender and marital status) and business characteristics (enterprise age and ownership structure) influence innovation practices. This research is positioned within a broader effort to explore how entrepreneurship functions in underserved regions, where tribal communities rely on self-employment and local knowledge to sustain livelihoods. The objective is to contribute to ongoing discussions on grassroots entrepreneurship, focusing on how innovation supports business performance and community resilience in areas marked by limited institutional support. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an exploratory design based on primary data collected from 164 tribal entrepreneurs across four districts: Aizawl, Churachandpur, East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi. Innovativeness is assessed using composite scores derived from two dimensions: idea nurturing and lateral/abstract thinking. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical methods, including correlation analysis, t-tests and analysis of variance, were applied to examine relationships between innovativeness and selected variables. Sampling followed a stratified approach, focusing on enterprises with at least three years of activity and a minimum of three employees. Findings The analysis reveals no significant association between innovativeness and either the entrepreneur’s age or the age of the business. However, gender, marital status, proprietorship type and district-level location are all significantly related to innovation scores. Female entrepreneurs, married individuals and those operating sole proprietorships report higher levels of innovativeness. Regional differences also emerge, with higher innovation scores recorded in Ri- Bhoi and Aizawl. These results suggest that innovativeness is shaped more by social and contextual factors than by demographic characteristics alone. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are based on a cross-sectional dataset limited to four tribal-majority districts, which may affect generalisability. The use of self-reported measures introduces the possibility of response bias. This study does not account for informal networks, institutional quality or longitudinal dynamics. Future research could explore how innovation capabilities evolve over time and how local governance, infrastructure and collective entrepreneurship shape innovation trajectories. Comparative studies across regions and countries would further enhance understanding of innovation within tribal or indigenous contexts. Practical implications The results may inform support mechanisms for tribal entrepreneurship. Public and private initiatives that strengthen individual creative capacities – especially among women and sole proprietors – could enhance innovation outcomes. Tailored training programs that promote idea development and adaptive thinking may be particularly relevant in geographically and culturally diverse regions. Recognising the heterogeneity of tribal territories is essential for the design of policies that foster inclusive and place-based entrepreneurial ecosystems. Stakeholders may also consider reinforcing community-based platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on the determinants of innovativeness among tribal entrepreneurs. This study contributes empirical evidence from North-East India, a region that remains underrepresented in entrepreneurship research. The analysis highlights how innovation practices emerge at the intersection of individual characteristics and local contexts. By examining how innovation supports entrepreneurial survival and community engagement, this paper adds value to debates on inclusive development and offers insights relevant to scholars, practitioners and policymakers working in peripheral or marginalised settings.