Companies have the greatest power to promote social change, thanks to their capacity to innovate in response to the challenges, problems and needs facing all of humanity. Here’s a look at several companies who have taken the lead.

Executive Summary
Poverty is the main breeding ground for many of the world’s problems today, such as terrorism, fundamentalism and emigration - all issues having an impact globally. Companies can have a powerful influence on alleviating poverty by doing business with the world’s poor. Targeting the base of the pyramid (BOP) population is not only profitable, it also opens up new markets in which there is potential for responsible and sustainable growth.

Based on several years of research, the authors offer examples of leading companies that have been successful doing business at the base of the pyramid. They also discuss the main challenges they have faced, such as weak physical infrastructure, a lack of social infrastructure and access to credit. Finally, they provide an overview of IESE’s new “Base of the Pyramid Learning Laboratory,” and their personal reflections.

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