Next Generation Business Strategies for the Base of the Pyramid: New Approaches for Building Mutual Value

by Ted London, Stuart L Hart

During the last decade, first-generation "Base of the Pyramid" (BoP) ventures focused primarily on "finding a fortune at the BoP" by selling existing goods to and sourcing familiar products from the world's four billion poorest people. Many of these initiatives did not scale, and some failed outright. But through that experience, crucial lessons have been learned. Innovators are now succeeding--thanks to a more sophisticated and nuanced approach based on "creating a fortune with the BoP."
 
In this book, co-editors Ted London, Stuart L. Hart, and other leading BoP thought and practice leaders show how to apply these second-generation BoP innovations, techniques, and business models. You'll learn how to build successful business ventures, create sustainable business ecosystems, design new technologies with the BoP in mind, and even transform entire sectors through collaborative entrepreneurship. Key lessons to be learned include
 
Roadmaps for Success
* A roadmap for venture development
* Patient capital and innovation for the BoP
 
Strategic Opportunities
* The "Green Leap" and the BoP
* Turning BoP needs into markets
 
Effective Implementation
* Understanding the BoP at the micro level
* Reframing design for the BoP
* Scaling up BoP ventures

Genres: Design, Business, International Development, Poverty

249 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2010

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to news ways of thinking about doing business with people in the base of the economic pyramid--poor people in the developing world. Some key insights here from a variety of thoughtful authors.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as prep for a research paper. Was OK but perhaps a bit redundant, in part due to the fact that it's a compilation from various authors who touch on some of the same ideas.