驱动可持续、包容性与规模化创新白皮书

CONTENTS Foreword 5 About The Authors Executive Summary 8 Introduction: The Case for Frugal AI9 Defining Frugal AI: Core Pillars & Principles11 The Frugal AI Toolkit: Techniques & Methodologies14 Measuring Frugality: Frameworks & Standards16 Frugal AI in Action: Case Studies & Applications17 Addressing Misconceptions: Frugal AI Myths vs. Reality 20 Frugal AI vs. Traditional AI: A Comparative View21 Conclusion: Towards a Sustainable & Inclusive AI Future22 References 23 True innovation isn’t measured just by computepower but by human impact. The most powerfulAI in the future will be the one that’s efficientenough to scale, inclusive enough to serve, andethicalenough to endure.Frugal AI redefinesprogressbyaskinghowwecandesignintelligence that is open, accessible, and truly inservice of all. FOREWORD Theworld today stands at the crossroads of unprecedented challenges andopportunities. Climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity are pressing us torethink how we innovate and solve problems. In this context, the principles of frugalinnovation—doing more with less for more people—are more relevant than ever. Forover a decade, my colleagues and I at Cambridge have explored how individuals,organisations, and governments can leverage ingenuity to address complex issuessustainably and inclusively. Frugal innovation is not just about cost-cutting; it is about reimagining processes,products,and systems to create value under constraints.It thrives on simplicity,adaptability, and a deep understanding of local needs. By fostering collaboration acrosssectors and embracing resourcefulness, frugal innovation has empowered communitiesin both developed and emerging economies to tackle their most pressing challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI), a transformative force of our time, holds immense potential toamplify the impact of frugal innovation. However, as we integrate AI into our lives andsystems, we must ensure that it aligns with the principles of frugality: accessibility,affordability, and sustainability. This is where Frugal AI emerges as a groundbreakingconcept—AI designed not just for efficiency but for equity. The Frugal AI approach calls for designing intelligent systems that are lightweight,energy-efficient,and tailored to meet the needs of underserved populations.Itemphasizes democratising access to AI technologies by reducing dependency onexpensive infrastructure and fostering open innovation ecosystems. By doing so, FrugalAI can bridge digital divides, empower local innovators, and drive inclusive growth. This whitepaper is a timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on responsible AIdevelopment. It underscores the importance of aligning technological advancementswith societal goals and environmental sustainability. As you explore its insights andrecommendations, I encourage you to reflect on how we can collectively harness thepower of Frugal AI to create a fairer and more sustainable future. Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to innovate responsibly—doing more with lessfor more people—and ensure that technology serves humanity in its truest sense. Jaideep PrabhuProfessor of Marketing & Nehru Professor of Indian BusinessCambridge Judge Business School ABOUT THE AUTHORS Venkata “Serish” GandikotaCo-lead, Frugal AI Hub | Visiting Fellow, Cambridge Judge Business School Serish is an innovation strategist, impact & climate fund adviser, entrepreneur, andresearcher focused on frugal innovation, sustainability, impact investing, andinclusive technology. As Co-lead of the Frugal AI Hub at Cambridge JudgeBusiness School, he works at the intersection of AI, systems thinking, and socialimpact. He has over a decade of experience designing and delivering frugalinnovation programs across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and has been involved inHorizon 2020 and EU-backed initiatives on citizen science, sustainability, andimpact investing. Venkata is also the co-founder of InnoFrugal, a platformadvancing affordable and resource-efficient innovation globally. Elizabeth Osta Co-lead, Frugal AI Hub | Visiting Fellow, Cambridge Judge Business SchoolElizabeth is a digital and data strategist and advisor working with boards andCXOs oninnovation, data and AI strategy and digital transformation. As Co-leadof the Frugal AI Hub and founder of Digital Forward, she focuses on advancinginclusive and sustainable AI practices across sectors. Previously, Elizabeth servedas Chief Data Officer at HEINEKEN, leading data transformation across 80countries. She has held leadership roles at Barclays, dunnhumby, Gillette,McKinsey, and Social Finance, where she explored the use of data to supportvulnerable populations. Elizabeth also serves as a non-executive advisor toseveral fintech startups and is a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge Judge BusinessSchool. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and society, yet itsexpansion faces critical hurdles. Conventional AI development