TBIC (ToP and BoP Interfaces Capabilities): Case for SMEs

Abstract

How can individuals and firms seek a new source of radical innovation? Necessity is a mother of invention. In a sense, the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) markets provide huge opportunities for “creating awareness, access, affordability, and availability” of products and services. Innovation outcomes achieved in BoP markets may turn out to be “dramatic changes in value, use of hybrid technologies, lean management, market development, deskilling of work, collaboration with NGOs and the public sector, and distribution and logistics in hostile conditions” (Prahalad in J Prod Innov Manag 29(1):6–12, 2012). This chapter discusses the importance of TBIC (ToP and BoP Interfaces Capabilities) in SMEs. It is crucial to manage interfaces between Top of Pyramid (ToP) and Base of Pyramid (BoP) for the global competitiveness for individual firms. This chapter discusses how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their market scope in emerging economies. Through the case of Ace Technology, we will look at TBIC (ToP and BoP Interfaces Capabilities) in SMEs, and look for strategic issues to be solved for future growth and future directions.