Scaling Up Inclusive Business: Advancing the Knowledge and Action Agenda

Abstract

In the last ten years, interest and activity have grown around the concept of inclusive business - the idea that it is possible to expand access to goods, services, and livelihood opportunities for the poor in commercially viable ways. Inclusive business is interesting for companies because it can offer new opportunities for innovation, growth, and competitiveness at the same time as positive social and development impact. It is interesting for bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, governments, and civil society organizations because it has the potential to drive development impact in self-sustaining, self-multiplying ways that do not require continuous infusions of grant funding. And it is interesting for the poor because it brings greater access, choice, and opportunity in their lives and futures.