Tag: 3BL

Global supply chains are entering a new phase. In his latest Forbes Business Council article, “Why Capability—Not Geography—Will Define the Next Decade of Trade,” Morten Johansen, COO of DP World in the Americas, explains why the next era of trade will be shaped less by where production happens and more by the capabilities that support it.

As companies continue to rethink global supply chains amid geopolitical shifts, tariff uncertainty, and growing demand for resilience, nearshoring has emerged as a key strategy. But Johansen argues that simply moving production closer to end markets does not automatically solve supply chain challenges.

Nearshoring’s Next Phase

The initial promise of nearshoring was straightforward: shorter supply chains, faster delivery times, and lower transportation costs. Yet in practice, companies relocating production have often discovered that proximity alone cannot guarantee efficiency or reliability.

Without strong logistics networks, efficient customs systems, digital visibility, and skilled labor pools, nearshored operations can still face costly delays and bottlenecks.

This is why Johansen describes the next phase as “Nearshoring 2.0”—a shift toward building integrated supply chain ecosystems that prioritize capability alongside location.

Building Trade Ecosystems That Work

In the article, Johansen outlines the capabilities businesses should evaluate when choosing supply chain locations. These include:

• Reliable infrastructure and multimodal transport connectivity
• Efficient regulatory and customs frameworks
• Digital tools that provide real-time supply chain visibility
• Skilled workforces that support advanced logistics and manufacturing
• Sustainable operations that reduce environmental impact

When these elements are aligned, supply chains become more resilient and adaptable—able to move goods, data, and capital seamlessly across borders.

Digitalization and Sustainability Shape Trade Decisions

Johansen also highlights how technology and sustainability are increasingly influencing where companies invest and build supply chains.

Digital platforms now allow businesses to monitor shipments in real time, predict disruptions, and optimize routes — capabilities that are quickly becoming essential in modern logistics.

At the same time, companies are placing greater emphasis on environmental performance, looking for partners and locations that support renewable energy use, lower emissions, and more sustainable logistics operations.

Capability Is the New Competitive Advantage

As Johansen explains, the next decade of global trade will not simply be defined by geography. Instead, companies that invest in capability-driven supply chain ecosystems —combining infrastructure, technology, sustainability, and talent — will be best positioned to compete in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Read Morten Johansen’s full Forbes Business Council article

Global supply chains are entering a new phase. In his latest Forbes Business Council article, “Why Capability—Not Geography—Will Define the Next Decade of Trade,” Morten Johansen, COO of DP World in the Americas, explains why the next era of trade will be shaped less by where production happens and more by the capabilities that support it.

As companies continue to rethink global supply chains amid geopolitical shifts, tariff uncertainty, and growing demand for resilience, nearshoring has emerged as a key strategy. But Johansen argues that simply moving production closer to end markets does not automatically solve supply chain challenges.

Nearshoring’s Next Phase

The initial promise of nearshoring was straightforward: shorter supply chains, faster delivery times, and lower transportation costs. Yet in practice, companies relocating production have often discovered that proximity alone cannot guarantee efficiency or reliability.

Without strong logistics networks, efficient customs systems, digital visibility, and skilled labor pools, nearshored operations can still face costly delays and bottlenecks.

This is why Johansen describes the next phase as “Nearshoring 2.0”—a shift toward building integrated supply chain ecosystems that prioritize capability alongside location.

Building Trade Ecosystems That Work

In the article, Johansen outlines the capabilities businesses should evaluate when choosing supply chain locations. These include:

• Reliable infrastructure and multimodal transport connectivity
• Efficient regulatory and customs frameworks
• Digital tools that provide real-time supply chain visibility
• Skilled workforces that support advanced logistics and manufacturing
• Sustainable operations that reduce environmental impact

When these elements are aligned, supply chains become more resilient and adaptable—able to move goods, data, and capital seamlessly across borders.

Digitalization and Sustainability Shape Trade Decisions

Johansen also highlights how technology and sustainability are increasingly influencing where companies invest and build supply chains.

Digital platforms now allow businesses to monitor shipments in real time, predict disruptions, and optimize routes — capabilities that are quickly becoming essential in modern logistics.

At the same time, companies are placing greater emphasis on environmental performance, looking for partners and locations that support renewable energy use, lower emissions, and more sustainable logistics operations.

Capability Is the New Competitive Advantage

As Johansen explains, the next decade of global trade will not simply be defined by geography. Instead, companies that invest in capability-driven supply chain ecosystems —combining infrastructure, technology, sustainability, and talent — will be best positioned to compete in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Read Morten Johansen’s full Forbes Business Council article

March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been named a SERI Champion of Electronics Sustainability, a designation that highlights the company’s industry‑leading commitment to responsible electronics reuse, recycling, and circularity. The recognition reflects Lenovo’s long‑standing work to integrate the Responsible Recycling (R2) standard into its global Asset Recovery Services, ensuring used electronics are managed with the highest levels of environmental and data security compliance. 

SERI’s Champions program honors organizations that voluntarily advance electronics sustainability beyond regulatory requirements. Lenovo’s recognition is rooted in its adoption of the R2v3 standard, the world’s most widely implemented certification for used electronics. R2v3 provides a comprehensive framework for managing the entire reverse supply chain — prioritizing reuse, maximizing recovery of materials, and minimizing environmental impact.

As of February 2026, Lenovo’s manufacturing centers in Ullo, Hungary; Shenzhen, China; and Wuhan, China hold R2v3 certification. These facilities operate to the highest global standard for responsible electronics processing, reinforcing Lenovo’s focus on transparency and continuous improvement across its operations.

Lenovo also advances circularity through its supply chain. The company drives its suppliers to obtain a certified electronics recycled standard, helping ensure responsible practices across the broader ecosystem. In addition, Lenovo participates on two of SERI’s Technical Advisory Committees, contributing expertise to the ongoing development of global electronics sustainability standards. 

Lenovo will undergo an annual review by SERI to maintain its status as a Champion of Electronics Sustainability.

For more information about the SERI Champions Program, visit https://sustainableelectronics.org/champions/

To learn more about Lenovo’s approach to circularity and responsible recovery, explore the latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report. 

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. 

March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been named a SERI Champion of Electronics Sustainability, a designation that highlights the company’s industry‑leading commitment to responsible electronics reuse, recycling, and circularity. The recognition reflects Lenovo’s long‑standing work to integrate the Responsible Recycling (R2) standard into its global Asset Recovery Services, ensuring used electronics are managed with the highest levels of environmental and data security compliance. 

SERI’s Champions program honors organizations that voluntarily advance electronics sustainability beyond regulatory requirements. Lenovo’s recognition is rooted in its adoption of the R2v3 standard, the world’s most widely implemented certification for used electronics. R2v3 provides a comprehensive framework for managing the entire reverse supply chain — prioritizing reuse, maximizing recovery of materials, and minimizing environmental impact.

As of February 2026, Lenovo’s manufacturing centers in Ullo, Hungary; Shenzhen, China; and Wuhan, China hold R2v3 certification. These facilities operate to the highest global standard for responsible electronics processing, reinforcing Lenovo’s focus on transparency and continuous improvement across its operations.

Lenovo also advances circularity through its supply chain. The company drives its suppliers to obtain a certified electronics recycled standard, helping ensure responsible practices across the broader ecosystem. In addition, Lenovo participates on two of SERI’s Technical Advisory Committees, contributing expertise to the ongoing development of global electronics sustainability standards. 

Lenovo will undergo an annual review by SERI to maintain its status as a Champion of Electronics Sustainability.

For more information about the SERI Champions Program, visit https://sustainableelectronics.org/champions/

To learn more about Lenovo’s approach to circularity and responsible recovery, explore the latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report. 

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. 

March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been named a SERI Champion of Electronics Sustainability, a designation that highlights the company’s industry‑leading commitment to responsible electronics reuse, recycling, and circularity. The recognition reflects Lenovo’s long‑standing work to integrate the Responsible Recycling (R2) standard into its global Asset Recovery Services, ensuring used electronics are managed with the highest levels of environmental and data security compliance. 

SERI’s Champions program honors organizations that voluntarily advance electronics sustainability beyond regulatory requirements. Lenovo’s recognition is rooted in its adoption of the R2v3 standard, the world’s most widely implemented certification for used electronics. R2v3 provides a comprehensive framework for managing the entire reverse supply chain — prioritizing reuse, maximizing recovery of materials, and minimizing environmental impact.

As of February 2026, Lenovo’s manufacturing centers in Ullo, Hungary; Shenzhen, China; and Wuhan, China hold R2v3 certification. These facilities operate to the highest global standard for responsible electronics processing, reinforcing Lenovo’s focus on transparency and continuous improvement across its operations.

Lenovo also advances circularity through its supply chain. The company drives its suppliers to obtain a certified electronics recycled standard, helping ensure responsible practices across the broader ecosystem. In addition, Lenovo participates on two of SERI’s Technical Advisory Committees, contributing expertise to the ongoing development of global electronics sustainability standards. 

Lenovo will undergo an annual review by SERI to maintain its status as a Champion of Electronics Sustainability.

For more information about the SERI Champions Program, visit https://sustainableelectronics.org/champions/

To learn more about Lenovo’s approach to circularity and responsible recovery, explore the latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report. 

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. 

• Partnership tackles grid constraints and rising household energy demands with smart, flexible solutions
• Gives customers greater control and flexibility for reliable, affordable and future-proof electrification
• Increases Eaton’s expansive residential portfolio and expands SPAN smart panel reach

CLEVELAND, March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a strategic partnership with SPAN, a pioneer in smart panel and power controls technology, to further enable affordable home electrification at scale. The companies’ approach to electrification will help save thousands of dollars on new home construction and retrofit projects, while also reducing the amount of power and infrastructure needed from the grid. Eaton invested $75 million in SPAN to power the next phase of the company’s growth and innovation.

Together, the companies will bring to market SPAN panels, smart electrical panels that provide whole-home energy insights and advanced power controls. The partnership offering will save time and money for retrofit and new home construction projects by dynamically managing how power is used in homes and cost-effectively enabling near-term and future electrification. The companies’ collaboration aligns with Eaton’s Home as a Grid strategy that supports flexible power systems that enable customers to do more with the power they have.

“Energy affordability and electrification require smart energy management,” said Heath Monesmith, president and chief operating officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton. “Working with SPAN, we’re removing barriers to electrification and lowering costs for homeowners, builders and contractors. Eaton is trusted to manage power from the grid to the receptacle, and together we’re expanding flexible and resilient solutions to power homes.”

Eaton will feature SPAN Energy Intelligence^TM technology at scale in its new smart panel offer, which will be available through its market-leading distribution, installer and homebuilder networks. The offer delivers energy affordability by decreasing costs for consumers and builders when adopting batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging and home electrification solutions.

“In order to accelerate the energy transition and deliver impact at scale, we often look to align our fast-paced innovation with established market leaders with a shared vision,” said Arch Rao, founder and CEO of SPAN. “Eaton’s impressive track record in electrical safety and unparalleled distribution reach combined with the SPAN advanced technology platform to modernize home energy infrastructure, forms an enviable foundation for the future of grid-edge intelligence.”

SPAN smart electrical panels will integrate Eaton’s advanced circuit and surge protection technologies for enhanced safety, reliability and control. Both companies’ technologies, including SPAN smart panels and Eaton smart breakers, meet rigorous cybersecurity and safety design standards and are interoperable with energy storage systems and onsite distributed energy resources. Joint solutions are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2026.

Learn more about Eaton’s home energy management solutions and Home as a Grid approach.

About SPAN

SPAN is on a mission to enable a more efficient and affordable energy future. The company began by reinventing the electrical panel and continues to transform grid-edge energy infrastructure through combined hardware-software innovation and advanced residential power control systems. Utilities, homeowners and developers all benefit from a smart, affordable and distributed electric grid. With SPAN solutions, grid operators can efficiently meet energy demand without expensive infrastructure upgrades, and those at home can manage their usage without disruption or sacrifice. Powering homes and communities with abundant, clean energy should be human-centered, technology-forward, and simply delightful. With behind and at-the-meter solutions that provide visibility and scale, SPAN helps make that possible. For more information, go to www.span.io.

About Eaton

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of $27.4 billion in 2025, the company serves customers in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Regina Parundik
+1 (412) 559-1614
reginaparundik@eaton.com

###

• Partnership tackles grid constraints and rising household energy demands with smart, flexible solutions
• Gives customers greater control and flexibility for reliable, affordable and future-proof electrification
• Increases Eaton’s expansive residential portfolio and expands SPAN smart panel reach

CLEVELAND, March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a strategic partnership with SPAN, a pioneer in smart panel and power controls technology, to further enable affordable home electrification at scale. The companies’ approach to electrification will help save thousands of dollars on new home construction and retrofit projects, while also reducing the amount of power and infrastructure needed from the grid. Eaton invested $75 million in SPAN to power the next phase of the company’s growth and innovation.

Together, the companies will bring to market SPAN panels, smart electrical panels that provide whole-home energy insights and advanced power controls. The partnership offering will save time and money for retrofit and new home construction projects by dynamically managing how power is used in homes and cost-effectively enabling near-term and future electrification. The companies’ collaboration aligns with Eaton’s Home as a Grid strategy that supports flexible power systems that enable customers to do more with the power they have.

“Energy affordability and electrification require smart energy management,” said Heath Monesmith, president and chief operating officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton. “Working with SPAN, we’re removing barriers to electrification and lowering costs for homeowners, builders and contractors. Eaton is trusted to manage power from the grid to the receptacle, and together we’re expanding flexible and resilient solutions to power homes.”

Eaton will feature SPAN Energy Intelligence^TM technology at scale in its new smart panel offer, which will be available through its market-leading distribution, installer and homebuilder networks. The offer delivers energy affordability by decreasing costs for consumers and builders when adopting batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging and home electrification solutions.

“In order to accelerate the energy transition and deliver impact at scale, we often look to align our fast-paced innovation with established market leaders with a shared vision,” said Arch Rao, founder and CEO of SPAN. “Eaton’s impressive track record in electrical safety and unparalleled distribution reach combined with the SPAN advanced technology platform to modernize home energy infrastructure, forms an enviable foundation for the future of grid-edge intelligence.”

SPAN smart electrical panels will integrate Eaton’s advanced circuit and surge protection technologies for enhanced safety, reliability and control. Both companies’ technologies, including SPAN smart panels and Eaton smart breakers, meet rigorous cybersecurity and safety design standards and are interoperable with energy storage systems and onsite distributed energy resources. Joint solutions are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2026.

Learn more about Eaton’s home energy management solutions and Home as a Grid approach.

About SPAN

SPAN is on a mission to enable a more efficient and affordable energy future. The company began by reinventing the electrical panel and continues to transform grid-edge energy infrastructure through combined hardware-software innovation and advanced residential power control systems. Utilities, homeowners and developers all benefit from a smart, affordable and distributed electric grid. With SPAN solutions, grid operators can efficiently meet energy demand without expensive infrastructure upgrades, and those at home can manage their usage without disruption or sacrifice. Powering homes and communities with abundant, clean energy should be human-centered, technology-forward, and simply delightful. With behind and at-the-meter solutions that provide visibility and scale, SPAN helps make that possible. For more information, go to www.span.io.

About Eaton

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of $27.4 billion in 2025, the company serves customers in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Regina Parundik
+1 (412) 559-1614
reginaparundik@eaton.com

###

• Partnership tackles grid constraints and rising household energy demands with smart, flexible solutions
• Gives customers greater control and flexibility for reliable, affordable and future-proof electrification
• Increases Eaton’s expansive residential portfolio and expands SPAN smart panel reach

CLEVELAND, March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a strategic partnership with SPAN, a pioneer in smart panel and power controls technology, to further enable affordable home electrification at scale. The companies’ approach to electrification will help save thousands of dollars on new home construction and retrofit projects, while also reducing the amount of power and infrastructure needed from the grid. Eaton invested $75 million in SPAN to power the next phase of the company’s growth and innovation.

Together, the companies will bring to market SPAN panels, smart electrical panels that provide whole-home energy insights and advanced power controls. The partnership offering will save time and money for retrofit and new home construction projects by dynamically managing how power is used in homes and cost-effectively enabling near-term and future electrification. The companies’ collaboration aligns with Eaton’s Home as a Grid strategy that supports flexible power systems that enable customers to do more with the power they have.

“Energy affordability and electrification require smart energy management,” said Heath Monesmith, president and chief operating officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton. “Working with SPAN, we’re removing barriers to electrification and lowering costs for homeowners, builders and contractors. Eaton is trusted to manage power from the grid to the receptacle, and together we’re expanding flexible and resilient solutions to power homes.”

Eaton will feature SPAN Energy Intelligence^TM technology at scale in its new smart panel offer, which will be available through its market-leading distribution, installer and homebuilder networks. The offer delivers energy affordability by decreasing costs for consumers and builders when adopting batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging and home electrification solutions.

“In order to accelerate the energy transition and deliver impact at scale, we often look to align our fast-paced innovation with established market leaders with a shared vision,” said Arch Rao, founder and CEO of SPAN. “Eaton’s impressive track record in electrical safety and unparalleled distribution reach combined with the SPAN advanced technology platform to modernize home energy infrastructure, forms an enviable foundation for the future of grid-edge intelligence.”

SPAN smart electrical panels will integrate Eaton’s advanced circuit and surge protection technologies for enhanced safety, reliability and control. Both companies’ technologies, including SPAN smart panels and Eaton smart breakers, meet rigorous cybersecurity and safety design standards and are interoperable with energy storage systems and onsite distributed energy resources. Joint solutions are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2026.

Learn more about Eaton’s home energy management solutions and Home as a Grid approach.

About SPAN

SPAN is on a mission to enable a more efficient and affordable energy future. The company began by reinventing the electrical panel and continues to transform grid-edge energy infrastructure through combined hardware-software innovation and advanced residential power control systems. Utilities, homeowners and developers all benefit from a smart, affordable and distributed electric grid. With SPAN solutions, grid operators can efficiently meet energy demand without expensive infrastructure upgrades, and those at home can manage their usage without disruption or sacrifice. Powering homes and communities with abundant, clean energy should be human-centered, technology-forward, and simply delightful. With behind and at-the-meter solutions that provide visibility and scale, SPAN helps make that possible. For more information, go to www.span.io.

About Eaton

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of $27.4 billion in 2025, the company serves customers in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Regina Parundik
+1 (412) 559-1614
reginaparundik@eaton.com

###

Originally published by Mastercard

By Manu Chopra and Shamina Singh

In India, there is a subtle but tangible shift in the digital economy. In a society of diverse languages and communities, questions of informal work, uneven access to opportunity and who remains unseen come to the fore. That’s why a growing number of organizations are re-thinking their approach to digital solutions. There is momentum around building technologies with inclusion as a foundational principle, which is reshaping how economic growth is achieved and how its benefits are distributed.

This moment is not new. The 2025 Findex shows that hundreds of millions have come online through inexpensive smartphones. Digital systems now sit at the intersection between people, work, welfare and markets.

Technology at the edges of everyday life

At the same time, the rapid rollout of 5G networks across India is beginning to reshape the speed, volume, and intensity with which digital services are delivered—bringing low-latency internet connectivity into sectors, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

In India, these forces converge with intensity. They bring long-standing inequalities into sharper focus, even as they create new opportunities for participation. Now is the time to shape systems and leverage innovation to incentivize inclusion – something that Indian social enterprises are achieving at scale.

While the digital economy needs to be underpinned by strong infrastructure, trust and usage can be a challenge. Across India, local intermediaries, ranging from field agents to community organizers to self-help groups and small entrepreneurs, play a decisive role in how digital systems are understood and taken up. It is in these relationships that inclusion is worked out in practice at the community – creating jobs and new livelihoods in an era of emerging technologies and bolstered by familiarity and function.

Local actors, local innovation

From this context, a dense and varied ecosystem has emerged. Civil society organizations, cooperatives, and social enterprises are treating digital systems as assets that can be adapted to local conditions. They understand participation in the digital economy as something that hinges on language, dignity, and the ability to earn and learn on terms that feel fair.  Social sector startups, such as Frontier Markets and Haqdarshak center the rural user as agents of change by connecting markets, government schemes, and financial services to typically underserved, rural communities. India has become a hot bed for social and economic innovation that focuses on making technology work for the underserved.

One avenue to economic opportunity for underserved communities is the work being done by Karya, which is leveraging AI to create pathways for people from low-income communities to take part directly in the digital economy. Over a hundred thousand workers across India, equipped with just a smartphone, have found fair work opportunities in contributing to datasets that encompass the linguistic diversity of the country.

Simply said, AI systems and solutions can become more inclusive while providing a pathway to meaningful economic opportunities. In collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (CFIG), this model can scale to other regions and countries where there is opportunity to build inclusive digital systems of their own.

As data-driven technologies reshape economies across the world, the stakes of these questions continue to rise. Decisions about who generates value, who becomes visible to systems, and who gains from economic growth are increasingly embedded in the ability to access and engage with the digital economy.

The work unfolding in India points towards a trajectory in which digital ecosystems enable markets, create space for dignified work, and treat contributors with respect. Inclusive innovation, in this sense, will be a vital pathway to creating economic progress for all.

Shamina Singh: founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the EVP for Sustainability at Mastercard.

Manu Chopra: founder and chief executive officer of Karya

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Originally published by Mastercard

By Manu Chopra and Shamina Singh

In India, there is a subtle but tangible shift in the digital economy. In a society of diverse languages and communities, questions of informal work, uneven access to opportunity and who remains unseen come to the fore. That’s why a growing number of organizations are re-thinking their approach to digital solutions. There is momentum around building technologies with inclusion as a foundational principle, which is reshaping how economic growth is achieved and how its benefits are distributed.

This moment is not new. The 2025 Findex shows that hundreds of millions have come online through inexpensive smartphones. Digital systems now sit at the intersection between people, work, welfare and markets.

Technology at the edges of everyday life

At the same time, the rapid rollout of 5G networks across India is beginning to reshape the speed, volume, and intensity with which digital services are delivered—bringing low-latency internet connectivity into sectors, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

In India, these forces converge with intensity. They bring long-standing inequalities into sharper focus, even as they create new opportunities for participation. Now is the time to shape systems and leverage innovation to incentivize inclusion – something that Indian social enterprises are achieving at scale.

While the digital economy needs to be underpinned by strong infrastructure, trust and usage can be a challenge. Across India, local intermediaries, ranging from field agents to community organizers to self-help groups and small entrepreneurs, play a decisive role in how digital systems are understood and taken up. It is in these relationships that inclusion is worked out in practice at the community – creating jobs and new livelihoods in an era of emerging technologies and bolstered by familiarity and function.

Local actors, local innovation

From this context, a dense and varied ecosystem has emerged. Civil society organizations, cooperatives, and social enterprises are treating digital systems as assets that can be adapted to local conditions. They understand participation in the digital economy as something that hinges on language, dignity, and the ability to earn and learn on terms that feel fair.  Social sector startups, such as Frontier Markets and Haqdarshak center the rural user as agents of change by connecting markets, government schemes, and financial services to typically underserved, rural communities. India has become a hot bed for social and economic innovation that focuses on making technology work for the underserved.

One avenue to economic opportunity for underserved communities is the work being done by Karya, which is leveraging AI to create pathways for people from low-income communities to take part directly in the digital economy. Over a hundred thousand workers across India, equipped with just a smartphone, have found fair work opportunities in contributing to datasets that encompass the linguistic diversity of the country.

Simply said, AI systems and solutions can become more inclusive while providing a pathway to meaningful economic opportunities. In collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (CFIG), this model can scale to other regions and countries where there is opportunity to build inclusive digital systems of their own.

As data-driven technologies reshape economies across the world, the stakes of these questions continue to rise. Decisions about who generates value, who becomes visible to systems, and who gains from economic growth are increasingly embedded in the ability to access and engage with the digital economy.

The work unfolding in India points towards a trajectory in which digital ecosystems enable markets, create space for dignified work, and treat contributors with respect. Inclusive innovation, in this sense, will be a vital pathway to creating economic progress for all.

Shamina Singh: founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the EVP for Sustainability at Mastercard.

Manu Chopra: founder and chief executive officer of Karya

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.