Early praise for Next Generation Business Strategies for the Base of the Pyramid "Anyone interested in the challenges and opportunities faced by the low income people must read this well-researched book. At a time when intellectual discourse on this important topic is urgently needed, London's and Hart's book combines a wealth of experience in the corporate setting with a deep understanding of economics. Needless to say that we are in the midst of multiple global crises threatening the well-being of all. This book is an attempt to give capitalism new strategies for responding to those crises." - Muhammad Yunus, Head of Grameen "This book demonstrates that the most socially useful business models to serve the base of the pyramid are those which are created for the market they seek to serve, incorporating appropriate green technologies and innovation-oriented strategies in venture development. Such ventures can go on to achieve the higher purpose of BoP Businesses: Poverty Alleviation." - Ratan Tata, CEO, Tata Industries "Ted London's and Stuart Hart's insightful book explores with a fresh lens the challenges facing the economies and communities of the BoP, and offers long-term solutions based on joint value-creation rather than "fortune-seeking." Today's businesses must engage with these communities on a deeper level, to ensure equal understanding of the culture's needs, how to educate BoP business owners, and to uncover ways to move forward -- with sustainability as a top priority. This book makes an invaluable contribution to that end." - Fisk Johnson, CEO, S.C. Johnson "More than a decade ago, C.K. Prahalad and others first opened our eyes to the huge opportunities inherent in Base of the Pyramid markets. This book captures the accumulated wisdom of the ensuing decade, and confirms that those opportunities are greater than ever. As such, it is a fitting tribute to Prahalad and his fellow pioneers-and an essential read for anyone wishing to understand and capitalize upon the real potential of BoP marketplaces." - Paul Polman, Chief Executive, Unilever "Around the world, IFC's clients are doing business in innovative ways that create market opportunity; provide goods and services; and improve the living standards of people at the base of the pyramid. Our clients and all those seeking to do business with the BOP as consumers as well as suppliers will find insights and inspiration in this book. This book is a milestone in the movement to create inclusive business models to target billions of people for the first time." - Lars H. Thunell, Executive V.P. and CEO, International Finance Corporation "An excellent book on how to develop new markets with the base of the pyramid, and also enhance the private sector's contribution to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges. At CEMEX, we've put more than a decade into our low-income housing Program, Patrimonio Hoy, as part of a larger effort to promote access to housing and basic infrastructure. London and Hart provide crucial insights to both businesses and sustainable development of the 21st century." - Lorenzo H. Zambrano, Chairman and CEO, CEMEX "This book describes powerful, exciting and inspirational next-generation business models that are sure to not only improve millions of lives in the years ahead, but also could truly transform the world by unleashing the potential of those people who have been overlooked by society. Through examples like these, the private sector will learn how to grow their businesses by engaging with the base of the pyramid as customers, suppliers and entrepreneurs. These ideas, pioneered by C.K. Prahalad and the authors of this book, are some of the most original in international economics and development of the past decade, and, at the Inter-American Development Bank, our Opportunities for the Majority initiative is carrying forward these approaches in Latin America and the Caribbean." - Luis Alberto Moreno, President, Inter-American Development Bank |