Eugenia Rosca from Tilburg University presents research findings from a relational perspective on how various intermediaries can support sustainability in Base of the Pyramid (BOP) supply chains.

Dr. Rosca and her international co-authors build on the observation that institutional voids in areas of extreme poverty may have to be filled by intermediary organizations that encourage local supply chains to become not only economically viable but also socially responsible. Based on extensive qualitative data collected via expert interviews and field visits with multiple intermediaries in Colombia and focal firms operating in BOP markets, the presentation in this RMI Online Research Seminar shows how BOP businesses can achieve economic and social viability through four pathways: formalization, legitimacy for vulnerable stakeholders, social capital development, and acquisition of complementary resources through an extended network of intermediaries. Public policy towards sustainability in global supply chains should consider helping such intermediaries to support the vulnerable BOP players.

Originally from Moldova/Romania, Dr. Eugenia Rosca is an Assistant Professor in Supply Chain Management and Academic Director at Tilburg University, The Netherlands and a Visiting Lecturer at Universidad Externado de Colombia. She was educated at Jacobs University Bremen and completed her PhD in 2018. Her research interests revolve around sustainability aspects in supply chains and industrial systems, with special a focus on developing economies and Base of the Pyramid markets. She has published in key journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Technological Forecasting and Social Change and, recently, Journal of Business Ethics.

RMI Research Seminars provide a forum for discussing latest findings in research areas matching or complementing those of the Reinhard Mohn Institute of Management at Witten/Herdecke University. Speakers are usually international, early-career and/or interdisciplinary-minded researchers. Due to the corona pandemic, the seminars are currently held online via Zoom. 

Further RMI Online Research Seminars will take place on 17 June 2021, Prof. Anne Gausdal (Kristiania University) on “Managing Networks” and 15 July 2021 Prof. Hannah Trittin-Ulbrich (Leuphana University) on “Digitalization and Organization”.

The events are open to anyone interested. To register and obtain the joining instructions please email rmi@uni-wh.