Publication database

This publication shows how Japanese retailer MUJI has built an inclusive supply chain positively impacting on small producers at the base of the pyramid (BOP), and how its stakeholders perceive its benefits. The report reflects direct feedback gathered during interviews and surveys conducted by IFC with different stakeholders in MUJI's supply chain, including producers, customers, employees, and management. The report highlights key challenges and opportunities that stem from engagement with the BOP producers in emerging markets. It also provides insights into good practice in incorporating the BOP producers into global value chains, drawing on MUJI’s experiences.

Social Impact Investment (SII) is a strategy that seeks to solve key societal challenges. The study sets out the rationale behind and the definition of SII and analyses the different components of the SII ecosystem. It looks at trends and challenges in SII in the EU, highlights a number of successful SII market initiatives, and makes recommendations on potential EU-level measures.

This report defines inclusive businesses and outlines their current situation. It describes how they can be a way for the private sector to contribute to the SDGs and proposes lines of action based on companies' value chains. 

Bai Tushum launched and tested a small-and-medium-sized Enterprise loan delivery mechanism to see if such targeted mechanism would have a positive impact on the number of jobs created. The social performance assessment compared several clients groups namely those who received loans under new delivery channels and those who did not. 1) We find a small weak effect of increase in loan size on job creation, the effect is not always significant. 2) We find a negative effect of client exit on job creation. 3) Other factors such as type of sector are influencing job creation.

This report analyses 19 specifically commissioned case studies of inclusive businesses in Emerging Europe and Central Asia. It concludes that missing knowledge and skills was the main constraint to success in the region and highlights the role of support organisations. Recommendations for companies, governments, development agencies and civil society organisations to support the growth of the sector are made.