Innovation and Sustainability in Base of the Pyramid Markets

The Frugal Innovation in Base of the Pyramid Markets series comprises four volumes, each covering theoretical perspectives and themes of four main geographical regions where BOP markets are located - Asia, Latin America, Africa and more affluent countries. BOP is a subject, which is vividly discussed, but defined in different ways. However, BOP always addresses the poorest people or socioeconomic order or groups in a country, society, region or continent. Thus, this series offers a profound understanding of BOP markets across the most important geographical areas around the world and presents valuable insights on how the private sector can work together with other stakeholders to develop and operationalize economically viable business models in BOP markets, while contributing to sustainable development. Private actors such as multinationals, small- and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs have a critical role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals agenda as laid down by the United Nations in September 2015. Yet, BOP markets face unique challenges and the private sector alone cannot orchestrate sustainable value creation activities. Multidimensional collaboration between various stakeholders, deep consumer behaviour insights, community-driven product, process and value chain design, knowledge and capabilities transfer - all of these are elements of the puzzle which still need to be integrated, in order to alleviate poverty and create economic development aligned with the principles of sustainable development.

Several theoretical streams are presented in each volume highlighting diverse approaches and solutions to developing BOP markets further. Frugal, reverse and inclusive innovations can foster (sustainable) development and provide new business models and value streams that other countries can also benefit from. A variety of stylistic elements,such as research work, interviews and roundtable discussion, give a wide and vivid impression of ongoing challenges and fruitful solutions.