The Prosperity Paradox

How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty

Clayton M Christensen, Efosa Ojomo, Karen Dillon | 4.53 | 582 ratings and reviews

Recommended by Eric Schmidt, Arianna Huffington, Steve Case, and 7 others. See all reviews

Ranked #17 in Macroeconomics

Clayton M. Christensen, the author of such business classics as The Innovator’s Dilemma and the New York Times bestseller How Will You Measure Your Life, and co-authors Efosa Ojomo and Karen Dillon reveal why so many investments in economic development fail to generate sustainable prosperity, and offers a groundbreaking solution for true and lasting change.

Global poverty is one of the world’s most vexing problems. For decades, we’ve assumed smart, well-intentioned people will eventually be able to change the economic trajectory of poor countries. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to eradicating corruption, too many solutions rely on trial and error. Essentially, the plan is often to identify areas that need help, flood them with resources, and hope to see change over time.

But hope is not an effective strategy.

Clayton M. Christensen and his co-authors reveal a paradox at the heart of our approach to solving poverty. While noble, our current solutions are not producing consistent results, and in some cases, have exacerbated the problem. At least twenty countries that have received billions of dollars’ worth of aid are poorer now.

Applying the rigorous and theory-driven analysis he is known for, Christensen suggests a better way. The right kind of innovation not only builds companies—but also builds countries. The Prosperity Paradox identifies the limits of common economic development models, which tend to be top-down efforts, and offers a new framework for economic growth based on entrepreneurship and market-creating innovation. Christensen, Ojomo, and Dillon use successful examples from America’s own economic development, including Ford, Eastman Kodak, and Singer Sewing Machines, and shows how similar models have worked in other regions such as Japan, South Korea, Nigeria, Rwanda, India, Argentina, and Mexico.

The ideas in this book will help companies desperate for real, long-term growth see actual, sustainable progress where they’ve failed before. But The Prosperity Paradox is more than a business book; it is a call to action for anyone who wants a fresh take for making the world a better and more prosperous place. less

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Reviews and Recommendations

We've comprehensively compiled reviews of The Prosperity Paradox from the world's leading experts.

Eric Schmidt CEO/GoogleClayton Christensen's latest book The Prosperity Paradox is a must-read. Powerful, persuasive, andwonderfully written, Christensen and his coauthors make a compelling case for the game-changing roleof innovation in some of the world's most desperate economies. (Source)

Arianna Huffington Founder/The Huffington PostThe Prosperity Paradox has the power to transform our thinking about philanthropy and social good. Aswe continue to grapple with how to lift people out of poverty, Clay Christensen, Efosa Ojomo and KarenDillon provide a new and innovative solution for millions of people around the world. It's a must-readfor anyone with an interest in global affairs who wants to create a truly thriving society. (Source)

Steve Case CEO/Revolution, Co-founder/AOLThe rise of any economy, local or global, must be fueled by innovative entrepreneurs willing to buildnew markets. With The Prosperity Paradox, Christensen, Ojomo, and Dillon offer powerful insight andguidance on how we can channel our efforts to create jobs, generate growth, and impact individual livesall over the world. (Source)

Victor Asemota @MrSomoye Please I suggest you read this great book by @EfosaOjomo and team called “Prosperity Paradox”. I can even buy one and send to you. (Source)

Kola Aina Thanks for being part of the inspiration bro. If you haven’t yet, get the book; “The Propertiy Paradox” by @EfosaOjomo It’ll be a great holiday read. ✌🏿 https://t.co/J0PscAZ9NR (Source)

Marc Alain Boucicault “The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty.” What an amazing book! I am still reading through it but every page is provoking a pulse of AMEN! EVERY public/private decision maker should read this book! Especially in #Haiti 🇭🇹 @claychristensen Thank u! (Source)

Tosin Olugbenga I just finished reading that book. It's an amazing book, speaks more on market creating innovations. https://t.co/9XkVWbfd1O (Source)

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