Technologies for the Base of the Economic Pyramid

This book presents the selection, analysis, and design approach for the technologies developed for the Base of the economic Pyramid (BoP). It focuses on the design, selection, and analysis of technologies tailored specifically for resource-constrained environments. Established multi-attribute decision-making methods, such as TOPSIS, have been used to create a framework for the selection of appropriate technology. A scenario-based selection methodology has been proposed, along with a software toolbox so that practitioners and users can readily use it for any use-cases. Furthermore, structural and realistic multibody dynamic analyses have been carried out on real-world projects chosen from the Rural Technology Action Group, IIT Delhi. An insight into how a design may be optimized to be manufactured and used in a low-resource setting has been provided. Readers will find valuable insights into various aspects, including Technology-related challenges faced by the BoP, Role of technology in poverty alleviation and development, Methodology for ranking technology alternatives for various BoP use-case scenario, Dynamic analysis and design considerations for real-world BoP technologies, Addressing socio-technical constraints and optimizing technology designs, & Potential economic benefits that can be unlocked by choosing and designing appropriate technologies for the BoP. This book includes illustrative case studies and provides real-world examples along with tables and figures to aid comprehension of complex concepts.