Bridging the Digital Divide (A): HP's e-Inclusion

Case A: Describes the development of e-inclusion, HP's program aimed at addressing the Digital Divide. It follows the project from its initial focus of corporate responsibility to its goal of developing new, profitable markets among the underserved. Case B: Describes the initial developments in the Kuppam i-community, in India, a pilot project, under the auspices of e-inclusion, aimed at researching the potential to find a market for IT products and services and for HP's competences among the poor.

This case study aims to: Illustrate the business case of a strategy of "selling to the poor", as highlighted in Prahalad and Hammond (2002). The authors focus on the strategy's ability to merge "doing well" and "doing good" elements of the social responsibility challenge of modern multinationals. Discuss the relationship between poverty and the digital divide, focusing on the role of corporate and public policies that target the divide, in fighting poverty and promoting economic development. Look at HP's ability to leverage its competences in serving the poor. Highlight the challenges and opportunities ahead for e-inclusion, and address the accomplishments of HP in Kuppam.