Blue Ocean Strategy - And a laptop for all

And a laptop for all….. - Blue Ocean Strategy

Blue Ocean Strategy: “Most of the nearly two–billion children in the developing world are inadequately educated, or receive no education at all. One in three does not complete the fifth grade… The individual and societal consequences of this chronic global crisis are profound. Children are consigned to poverty and isolation—just like their parents—never knowing what the light of learning could mean in their lives.” – from One laptop per child website.

Blue Ocean Strategy: What would the impact on society be if computers and the Internet were accessible to every child in the world? How would educational standards change? What would be the new pace of Innovation? Would the balance of power around the globe stay the same, or begin to shift?

We’ve been watching the unfolding of Nicholas Negroponte’s ambitious project One laptop per child, which is designed to provide “a means to an end – an end that sees children in even the most remote regions of the globe being given the opportunity to tap into their own potential, to be exposed to a whole world of ideas, and to contribute to a more productive and saner world community.”

Using a Blue Ocean-like strategy approach, Mr. Negroponte is working to surmount the obstacle of equal education for all by providing children in poor and underdeveloped countries with a laptop. In the process, he is breaking the mold of accepted assumptions and limitations of how personal computers work. His laptop, designed especially with children in mind, is equipped with a Web browser, rich media player, and e-book reader. The distinctive, green machine, while rugged and durable inside and out, offers all the relevant benefits of a laptop, while eliminating the peripherals and non-essentials. Amazingly, the notebook costs a mere $100!

If you are interested in learning more about Blue Ocean Strategy at the intersection of successful business and lasting social impact, be sure to tune into our Perfect Calm Series.