This study systematically analysed 237 frugal innovation cases in order to understand the consequences and implications of market choice on the characteristics of a successful frugal innovation. The results demonstrate that this type of innovation is disruptive to its respective target market. Further, the study shows that firms that want to achieve such innovation tend to focus either on activities along the value chain or the solution (product/service) itself. This distinction yielded four clusters of frugal innovation, which are described in detail, including aspects regarding strategy, organisation, processes and technology.