Leapfrog Technology

The adoption of advanced or cutting-edge technology in contexts that skipped intermediate technological stages, bypassing legacy infrastructure to achieve modern capabilities directly. In assistive technology, leapfrogging refers to the potential for Global South countries to adopt smartphone-based AT solutions without first establishing the expensive infrastructure associated with traditional AT provision in high-income countries. While promising, research in Ghana demonstrates that leapfrogging has limits — advanced technology like gaze-based AAC still requires supporting ecosystems (trained professionals, appropriate seating, cultural adaptation) that cannot be bypassed regardless of the technology's sophistication.