China’s agricultural sector is undergoing rapid transformation, but with growth come serious problems such as labor shortages, soil compacted by machinery, and chemicals (pesticides) that pollute the earth. In parallel, therefore, a major technological transformation is underway.

e-Choupal, an initiative of ITC Ltd. launched in 2000, endeavours to place computers with internet connectivity in villages in rural India. ‘Choupal’ is Hindi for ‘gathering place’: the computer facility serves to bring villagers together for exchange of information and as an e-commerce hub.

e-Choupal, an initiative of ITC Ltd. launched in 2000, endeavours to place computers with internet connectivity in villages in rural India. ‘Choupal’ is Hindi for ‘gathering place’: the computer facility serves to bring villagers together for exchange of information and as an e-commerce hub.

The Vayugrid case study encourages students to develop their own understanding of the economic, political and social dimensions that define this entrepreneurial venture in rural India. It clarifies the importance of embedded innovation in developing a suitable business model to leverage a fragmented supply chain.

The Vayugrid case study encourages students to develop their own understanding of the economic, political and social dimensions that define this entrepreneurial venture in rural India. It clarifies the importance of embedded innovation in developing a suitable business model to leverage a fragmented supply chain.