LINK Methodology to design “inclusive” business models
received, read and analysed the manuals sent by Mark Lundy, related to the “LINK Methodology: A Participatory Guide to Business Models that Link Smallholders to Markets” (web), original, appealing and well-designed methodology, inspired by the BMGEN canvas. Mark is senior researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CATI), at Cali, Colombia
“The LINK methodology argues that inclusive business practices in an era of tightening global supplies and natural resource limitations, such as agriculture, is simply good business. Well-managed, inclusive businesses have to potential to create a win-win situation: farmers gain access to markets, knowledge, and technology and increase their income and resilience. While buyers – beyond considerations of CSR and the creation of ’ethical products’ – are better able to source key raw materials to their specifications at a competitive cost … (more)
The LINK Methodology (intro) proposes four key tools: 1) Value Chain Map, 2) Business Model Canvas, 3) New Business Model Principles, and 4) Prototype Cycle. The case studies and illustrations of social business models are great. Several tools are based on the business model canvas, revisiting some concepts (key tool 2), such as a chain of business models. I am not convinced by all of the extensions proposed in the manuals but the questions are good and should generate nice discussions on eco-systems of business models.
