Base of the Pyramid

Base of the Pyramid aims at creating sustainable projects for emerging markets. The need for such initiatives stems from the fact that around two thirds of the population live on under 5 euros a day.

The researchers, teachers and students of Aalto University look for solutions to develop products, services, business models and practices that suit the needs of the emerging markets. At the same time the project identifies new markets for Finnish companies who are interested in innovations. In the best case scenario, the result is a real win-win situation, where improving the living environments of poor people and new business models are combined.

User-orientated approach is essential  

How can we best combine the needs and expectations of the users with new business models? How to prioritise the factors that affect customers reasons for buying products in these markets?

Even though demand for new, affordable, easy-to-use products that work in tough circumstances can be found, in order to develop solutions to how to create profitable business, there is a real need for entrepreneurial, technical and design know-how.The students of Creative Sustainability and International Design Business Management (IDBM) programmes of Aalto University together form a multidisciplinary working group that looks at these aspects on a wide spectrum.

In 2011 started two Base of the Pyramid programmes, a health service project Glocal in India, and a furniture industry development project in Peru.

Learn more about the project in Peru by following the blog written by the IDBM students taking part in the project.