Methodology for the construction of technology-based product ideas for emerging markets

Abstract

As developing and emerging regions of the world are experiencing accelerated growth in populations and income, they are becoming more important to define the future of many industries, this is why developing and emerging countries and the markets they represent, constitutes enormous opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs willing to take advantage of their technology hunger, by developing technology-based products for the satisfaction of their particular needs and expectations. This document presents a Methodology for the creation of technology- based product ideas for emerging and developing markets. The methodology leans on the analysis of technology trends for the exploitation of entrepreneurs ́ technical capabilities, and the identification and analysis of the characteristics and needs of a specific market, with the main objective of aligning the technological development to particular less-developed markets. The methodology is supported by creativity tools, information analysis practices, technology commercialization processes, and methods for evaluation and selection of products before their introduction to the market. Each step of the methodology presents a succession of activities to be made, inputs required and key results. Some suggestions gathered from the literature are also included in each step in order to facilitate the understanding of developing and emerging markets particularities. In order to demonstrate the methodology presented in this document, and also as an important source of experiences for the author, a case study was carried out in the Low-Income Mexican Agricultural Market. All the information contained in this case study has been used for the design of a low-cost customizable greenhouse for the Mexican Ejido.