Creating Sustainable Local Enterprise Networks

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By analyzing 50 cases of successful sustainable enterprise in developing countries, the authors developed a conceptual framework they call the Sustainable Local Enterprise Network model. Analysis of the 50 cases revealed that examples of successful sustainable enterprise in developing countries often involve informal networks that include businesses, not-for-profit organizations, local communities and other actors. These networks can lead to virtuous cycles of reinvestment in an area’s financial, social, human and ecological capital. Successful SLENs, the authors found, require at least one business enterprise to ensure the network’s financial sustainability and serve as its anchor; however, that anchor role may be played by a cooperative or a profitable social enterprise launched by a non-governmental organization. While multinational corporations were sometimes part of the SLENs studied, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and sustainable local businesses were more common.

Using a number of examples from their research, the authors describe how SLENs operate. Examples include networks involving Honey Care Africa Ltd., a honey company based in Nairobi, Kenya, which aims to promote rural development through beekeeping, and Grameen Shakti, which sells solar energy systems for homes in Bangladesh. The authors conclude with recommendations for fostering the development of SLENs, such as setting up training programs in sustainable entrepreneurship in developing countries.

David Wheeler is the Erivan K. Haub Professor of Business and Sustainability at the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Canada. He is also founding director of the York Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability. Kevin McKague is a senior research fellow at the York Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability, and Jane Thomson is a visiting research fellow there. Rachel Davies, Jacqueline Medalye and Marina Prada were graduate researchers at York University when this research was conducted. The authors can be contacted at dwheeler@schulich.yorku.ca, mckague@yorku.ca, janethom@yorku.ca, rdavies02@schulich.yorku.ca, jackiemedalye@yahoo.ca and mpradahulzer03@schulich.yorku.ca.

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