A scoping review of business model configurations for diffusing high-tech innovations at the Bottom of the Pyramid

The purpose of this scoping review is to draw lessons from previous studies of diffusion of new technology products designed to address social challenges in Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) and Low Income Country (LIC) markets. Specifically, we are driven to understand business model configuration(s) to enhance opportunities for widespread adoption and diffusion of a novel sanitation product: a water-less, stand-alone Nano Membrane Toilet. To date, innovation studies in the BoP/LIC context have tended to focus narrowly on product development processes such as resource-constrained innovation. Operationalising the business model framework allows consideration of the wider range of factors that contribute to widespread and successful adoption and use. To inform our analysis we draw on analogous cases such as in water treatment, solar energy, cooking stove and health technologies. We conclude the need for sensitivity to different customer and user types, alertness to social dynamics of use contexts and importance of network relations.