Harnessing Innovation for Change: Sustainability and Poverty in Developing Countries. (20th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khavul, Susanna; Bruton, Garry D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of management studies. Volume 50:Number 2(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 306
• Publication Date: 2012-09-20
• Subjects: Industrial management -- Periodicals; 658
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2012.01067.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2380

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <sc>abstract</sc> </title> <p>To date, a well‐developed business perspective on how to promote sustainability for those in poverty is sorely lacking. For sustainability enhancing innovations in developing countries, poverty presents unique challenges. In this paper, we argue that if sustainability enhancing innovations introduced in developing countries are to stick, they need to be designed with local customers, networks, and business ecosystems in mind. We illustrate this view using case examples from mobile telephony, fuel efficient stoves, clean drinking water, and household electrification. Our paper underscores the need for today's managers to understand poverty as an integral part of the sustainability nexus and the new international business equation.</p> </abstract>