Towards a Theory of "Smart" Social Infrastructures at Base of the Pyramid: A Study of India (Elements in the Economics of Emerging Markets)

By: Bruno S. Sergi and Sandeep Goyal

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Synopsis: The primary focus of this Element is to understand the rise of smart “social” infrastructures in BoP emerging markets like India. It has been observed that new focus areas and frontiers of global economy are taking shape where social and environmental outcomes along with economic performance are considered to be collective parameters for success or failure of the businesses. This has led to the emergence of new models of entrepreneurship namely for-profit social businesses. These new models are driven by problem-solving social innovators who are driven by the social and environmental mission besides economic gains. Sustainability and overall success of social businesses is driven by smart social infrastructure comprising availability of incubation ecosystem for social start-ups, access to patient capital, availability of digital ecosystem, adoption of circular business models, and focus on collaborations, partnerships and networking with diverse stakeholders.