Base of the Pyramid (BoP)

 

Base of the pyramid (BoP) refers to the nearly four billion people that earn less than US$ 4 per day and live primarily in Asia, Africa and South America (also referred to as the "next billion.") These individuals are largely excluded from formal markets, though they are a source of untapped entrepreneurial energy. These markets are diverse and fast growing with an underutilized productive sector.

 

This concept has been introduced by prof. CK Prahalad in his book "The fortune at the bottom of the pyramid". Stuart Hart and the BoP Learning Labs further developed it.

 

Engaging people at the BoP as producers, consumers and entrepreneurs is key to reducing poverty and driving economic growth for both communities and the private sector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are 8 international development goals focused on meeting the needs of low-income people throughout the world. All 192 United Nations member countries and 23 of the world's leading development institutions have committed to these goals. They were officially established in September 2000 at the United Nations Headquarters.

 

Each of the MDGs has targets, with a combined number of 21 targets that are being measured. The deadline for these targets is 2015. Progress has been mixed, with some countries further ahead than others. Through our projects, we work with our partners towards helping to achieve these goals.

 

Together with our strategic partners and a growing number of companies we develop, learn about and accelerate innovative strategies to create a positive impact on the lives of the poor. All innovation strategies are market-based, private sector led: we believe in approaching the people at the base of the pyramid as value-demanding consumers, hard working producers and creative entrepreneurs.