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  • Scott Anderson

    An Algorithm for Impact: Four Questions Every Venture Should Ask (With Video)

    Is it needed? Does it work? Will it get to those who need it? Will they use it correctly when they get it? Four questions Mulago Foundation Director Kevin Starr says every social enterprise must answer before proceeding. In this compelling PopTech 2010 video, Starr questions the effectiveness of One Laptop Per Child, Lifestraw and PlayPump.

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  • Martin Herrndorf

    Five Ways to React to Competitors at the BoP (Part 2)

    One reason why companies might overlook competition issues might be because the nature of competitors is often distinct from established markets. This Part 2 will have an in-depth look at the nature of competitors at the BoP, and highlight five constructive ways to deal with that competition.

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  • Sadna Samaranayake

    Incalculable Impact, Please?

    When is impact legitimately ?incalculable?? Is a limited ability to wrap metrics around your impact ever acceptable or desirable? While we work on qualitative and quantitative ways to assess the resulting impact on lives at the BoP, it?s ultimately that incalculable kind of shift in ?business as usual? for which we all should take aim.

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  • Martin Herrndorf

    Understanding Competition at the Base of the Pyramid (Part 1)

    Business targeting BoP consumers might fail if they neglect a key feature of business life: competition. Entering the market, business will find out that BoP consumers are normally not "unserved." They drink water, they eat, they treat illnesses, etc. Competition at the BoP can be a barrier - or a source of learning and collaboration.

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  • Diana Hollmann

    NextThought Monday: A Perspective from Egypt – Iman Bibars of Ashoka Arab World

    The events in Egypt have been unfolding quickly and it is hard to tell what the outcomes will be, particularly when judging from afar. We had the opportunity to talk to Iman Bibars, founder and head of Ashoka Arab World. She is enduring in Cairo and offers her perspectives on the historic uprisings - what led to them and what could be next.

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  • Scott Anderson

    Friday Roundup ? 2/4/11: Spring Fever Starts Now

    In addition to a warm thaw, there are several reasons to look forward to spring - namely - several important forums and competition prize opportunities for social entrepreneurs, development knowledge events and for enterprising students eager to join the ranks of professionals, it’s time to start looking out for summer internships.

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  • Pablo Sanchez

    Participative Innovation: The Transition to a New Model of Social Capitalism (Part 2)

    In some ways, we are moving to a version of Capitalism 2.0. If the goal of capitalism 1.0 was to maximize profit, in 2.0, it is to generate the maximum social, economic and environmental value. If in 1.0 the process of decision-making was hierarchical and behind closed doors, 2.0 proposes participative and inclusive decision-making.

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  • Scott Anderson

    Hat Tips, New Hands and January?s Top Posts

    I?m happy to announce that two NextBillion contributors, Martin Herrndorf and Lisa Smith, have signed on as Staff Writers. Their recent articles are among our top five most-read posts in January. Martin and Lisa, as well as a couple of unsung heroes who deserve some recognition today, have contributed to a strong start in 2011 for NextBillion.

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