Disruptive Co-Creation? Some Experiences in Fostering Innovative and Sustainable Business Models for Emerging Markets

Faced with constant changes in the marketplace and increasing pressure to adapt to e.g. recessive and saturated conditions, businesses in industrialized countries have the option to pursue opportunities in emerging markets. In the poorest of developing countries, there is a proposition of high-payoff, albeit high-risk opportunities for sustainable business models that address poverty alleviation. However, many businesses exhibit hesitation and wariness before giving serious consideration toward entering markets in e.g. Sub-Saharan Africa. In addressing this, the initiative access2innovation has been set up to foster innovative partnerships between civil society organizations, businesses and academia with the objective of supporting disruptive business model innovation in co-creation processes across these sectors. This paper delves into state-of-the-art concerning literature pertinent to businesses engaging in new emerging markets. It describes the background and theoretically founded principles in access2innovation, and lastly deals with business model innovation theory/practice with illustrative cases from Uganda, Tanzania and Vietnam.