Base of the Pyramid

Although Base of the Pyramid is a relatively new concept, many projects are already in progress across developing and transitional economies. To improve the development benefits and to expand base of the pyramid projects, participants in this Laboratory worked closely with the European Commission to identify potential synergies between companies, stakeholders and public donors such as the EU.

Did you know?

• If current trends continue, several (if not all) of the UN's Millennium Development Goals will not be met by 2030, this is largely because of slow progress in Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
• About 1.4 billion people globally live at or below the poverty line of US$1.25/day
• The 4 billion people living on less than US$3000/year represent a multi-trillion euro market

Sustainable Business at the Base of the Pyramid

Many so-called ‘Base of the Pyramid' (Bop) initiatives by companies focus on the provision of essential products and services, new jobs and economic opportunities to the poor, thereby contributing to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Although BoP is a relatively new concept, many such projects are already in progress across developing and transitional economies. To improve the development benefits and to expand base of the pyramid projects CSR Europe, IMS-Entreprendre pour la Cité, Groupe Danone, Microsoft, Unilever and Vodafone launched this Laboratory identifying potential synergies between companies and other public and private actors.   

Get Equipped

Creating Wealth and Value at the Base of the Pyramid (PDF)

This working paper explains the concepts and operations of BoP while exploring potential synergies between these initiatives and the European Commission's DG Development. A compendium of best practices is also included to support the working paper's recommendations.

Get Engaged in 2011

CSR Europe and members continue to work on the Base of the Pyramid activities under the Framework of Enterprise 2020. Read more and find out how to get involved by clicking here.

See Also . . .

• Over 100 company solutions on Mainstreaming CSR in our CSR solutions database
• Over 100 company solutions on innovative Business Partnerships in our CSR solutions database
• More information about the CSR Laboratory on Sustainable Business at the Base of the Pyramid

Laboratory Leaders and Facilitators