Dialogue over how best to transfer inclusive business knowledge and experience to firms
On July 1, 2011, MicroEnergy International and Technische Universität Berlin’s Postgraduate Program on Microenergy Systems, in partnership with Endeva, hosted the ninth Inclusive Business Lunch in their new premises next to Bahnhof Zoo. Using our latest work on "Energizing the BoP" as an example, we posed the question of how the results of research and experience with inclusive business model development can be effectively transferred to companies. The 30 participants ranged from students to representatives from both the private and public sectors.
Participants agreed that communication needs to be 'business-like' and engaging. Short, efficient presentations, such as workshops, grab interest and bring peers together for sharing experiences. Publications should be short, easy-to-read and clear. In addition, the target group in the companies requires a certain 'absorptive capacity', i.e. basic knowledge on the approach. Alas, nothing can really replace the one-to-one communication yet, which can provide precise answers to specific questions. Since few companies have the resources to hire consultants for their inclusive business ventures, providing this specific know-how via online fora might be another avenue, especially for more technical issues. Energypedia offers a platform for such exchange in the energy space. The question how the impact achieved through research-based work might be evaluated certainly deserves further discussion.