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Best Ideas of 2011: Improvising at the BoP
Planning works (reasonably) well in established, stable markets. But classical "planning" is unlikely to help when innovating in the surprising complexity of BoP markets as mapped in ’Poor Economics.’ Certainly, "chaos" and "anarchy" are not the answers either. Improvisation could provide a metaphor allowing us to understand this fragile balance.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise
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Best Ideas of 2011: Invest in Africa
In Africa today, years of small changes are adding up to potentially big payoffs for the savvy investor. This past year alone saw important gains in good governance and economic growth on the continent, while economic woes continued apace overseas. One of the best ideas of 2011 to gain serious currency can be summarized simply: invest in Africa.
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- Uncategorized
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Best Ideas of 2011: Storytelling and Cultivating the New Storytellers
Even if it’s not our own organizations or projects getting coverage, to see others in global development gaining even the tiniest measure of fame can be inspiring, or at least may light a competitive fire under our feet. Think of how big a boost microfinance got from 2006’s Nobel Peace Prize going to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank.
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- Impact Assessment
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The Best Ideas of 2011: The Power of Collective Action
If 2011 showed us nothing else, it showed us that the age for collective, collaborative action has returned. Compared to the political and cultural movements of other generations, however, this time we have powerful online platforms at our disposal, sending ideas and inspiration across continents in nanoseconds--especially in social enterprise.
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- Impact Assessment
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Best Ideas of 2011: The Reshaping of Capitalism
As much as I can and often do criticize the Occupy Wall Street movement for its lack of focus, direction, and tangible outcomes - there is something about it that makes me extremely hopeful. Capitalism is slowly undergoing a massive transformation, a call launched by Occupy, and answered by the Social Enterprise Movement.
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- Impact Assessment, Social Enterprise
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Best Ideas of 2011: Revolutionizing mindsets for a new Arab World
People from the Arab World showed that the impossible is possible. Citizens fought for their rights, shaping a new Arab World associated with ?opportunity? and ?change? instead of ?disenfranchisement? and ?stagnation? by people from both inside and outside of the region - and setting the ground for unleashing entrepreneurial energy!
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- Impact Assessment
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Best Ideas of 2011: In Praise of Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy is an architect who, unsatisfied with the self-directed benefits of traditional architecture and the opportunities lost in its wake, redefined what an architect is, and how great an impact a built environment can have. He has re-conceived hospital design to better heal the sick people in it, but that’s only part of the story.
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- Health Care
- Tags
- product design
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Best Ideas of 2011: All Signs Point to the Vitality of Sharing
Last year I reported on www.admittingfailure.com, a platform created by Engineers Without Borders Canada and Peace Dividend Trust for individuals to share mistakes or failures encountered in their work with the development community. Although the site hasn’t recorded a large number of failures since it went live, we need more initiatives like it.
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- Uncategorized
