Unlocking global prosperity: lessons from my conversation with Efosa Ojomo on transformative innovation

Introduction

This article is inspired by a profound conversation I had with Efosa Ojomo, Director of the Global Prosperity Research Group at the Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and co-author of the acclaimed book The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty (Christensen et al., 2019). This work, which he wrote alongside the late Clayton Christensen and Karen Dillon, focuses on understanding how market-creating innovations can drive economic development and improve lives globally, particularly in underserved communities. Our discussion, enriched by the Christensen Institute's pioneering research, offered transformative insights into how innovation can transcend traditional boundaries and create sustainable impact.

What I learned from Efosa compels us to rethink the role of technology and innovation in addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. This article explores these insights, presenting a roadmap for leveraging transformative technologies and visionary leadership to create new markets, foster inclusive prosperity, and redefine how we build a better future for all.

Unlocking prosperity through market-creating innovations: a vision for inclusive transformation

In every era, transformative technologies—those dubbed general-purpose technologies (GPT)—have redefined the boundaries of possibility. From the steam engine to the microprocessor, and now artificial intelligence (AI) and mRNA technology, their impact transcends industries and geographies. However, their true transformative power lies not merely in their invention but in their integration within business models designed to dismantle barriers to nonconsumption.

Reframing innovation: addressing nonconsumption

Nonconsumption refers to the obstacles—affordability, accessibility, complexity, and time constraints—that prevent widespread adoption of solutions. Innovations achieve transformative impact when they unlock prosperity by breaking down these barriers. The global adoption of mobile telecommunications exemplifies this potential. Across countries like Ghana, Bangladesh, and the United States, mobile connectivity has become nearly ubiquitous, bridging societal divides and enabling economic opportunities.

Yet, this focus on nonconsumption remains underutilized globally. Most technologies are developed for affluent markets, leaving underserved populations behind. True innovators, however, prioritize creating solutions that cater to nonconsumers. These innovations not only transcend economic divides but also generate profound societal benefits, bridging the gap between aspiration and sustainable impact.

Empathy and design thinking: foundations of innovation

The journey begins with a deceptively simple yet profound question: What struggle are we solving? This inquiry forms the essence of entrepreneurial ventures. To answer it, innovators must deeply empathize with nonconsumers, immersing themselves in their lives to uncover unmet needs. Design Thinking—a human-centered methodology—provides a framework for identifying these opportunities and crafting impactful solutions (Christensen et al, 2007; Kelley et al., 2001).

Through iterative experimentation, the Lean Startup Model ensures alignment between innovations and market demands. As insights crystallize, the next pivotal question arises: What kind of organization can sustainably address these struggles? (Ries, 2011; 2017; Christensen et al, 2007)

Financing and leadership: the engines of market creation

Market-creating innovations demand patient capital—investments from stakeholders committed to long-term impact. While institutional investors often hesitate to fund high-risk ventures, personal networks and visionary supporters play a critical role in bridging this gap. Infrastructure-heavy ecosystems, such as manufacturing facilities or distribution networks, require such patient investment to reach underserved populations.

Equally essential is leadership—a rare combination of attributes that enable visionaries to persevere. Four core qualities underpin effective leadership in market creation:

1. Love: A selfless commitment to addressing unmet needs, often at personal sacrifice

2. Humility: A willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace failure as part of the journey

3. Faith: A steadfast belief in the possibility of transformative change, even in the face of adversity

4. Systems thinking: Recognizing the interdependencies within ecosystems and designing solutions that address systemic challenges

Examples of market-creating innovations

Historical and contemporary examples underscore the transformative potential of Market-Creating Innovations (MCIs) (Christensen et al., 2019):

• Ford’s Model T: Made automobiles accessible to the average American, revolutionizing transportation

• Celtel: Brought affordable mobile telecommunications to Africa, enabling widespread connectivity

• M-PESA: Fostered financial inclusion in Kenya through mobile money platforms

• Indomie Noodles: Created a staple food market in Nigeria, addressing affordability and accessibility

These examples illustrate how MCIs uplift underserved communities while catalyzing economic growth.

AI and the next frontier of transformation

As we stand on the brink of an AI-driven era, its potential to catalyze inclusive prosperity is undeniable. AI’s rapid advancements in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and beyond offer immense promise. Companies like AiCure in the U.S. and NIRAMAI in India are revolutionizing patient care and early cancer detection. Similarly, platforms like Ant Group’s financial services exemplify AI’s transformative impact on underserved populations (Ojomo & Sanchez, 2024a; 2024b).

However, for AI to fulfill its promise, it must align with the principles of market-creating innovation. Democratizing access, safeguarding well-being, and embedding AI within sustainable business models are imperative. AI is not a business model itself but a tool that, when integrated thoughtfully, empowers human potential and bridges societal divides  (Ojomo & Sanchez, 2024a; 2024b).

A call to action: crafting a vision for inclusive prosperity

The path forward demands a deliberate, systems-level approach. Policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators must collaborate to establish thoughtful regulatory frameworks, democratize access, and ensure AI’s alignment with equity and impact. By addressing the unmet needs of nonconsumers, they can reduce disparities rather than exacerbate them (Ojomo & Sanchez, 2024a; 2024b).

Creating new markets is one of humanity’s most demanding endeavors, requiring visionary leadership, patient capital, and a commitment to building ecosystems. Entrepreneurs embarking on this journey do more than disrupt industries—they redefine them, transforming struggles into opportunities and unmet needs into transformative solutions.

As AI and other transformative technologies evolve, their potential to serve as catalysts for collective progress rests on their alignment with these principles. The ultimate goal is not merely technological advancement but enduring societal good. By unlocking inclusive prosperity, innovators can leave an indelible legacy, reshaping societies and fulfilling the highest purpose of innovation: to serve humanity as a force for enduring progress.

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