Sumitomo Chemical and the Fight Against Malaria Using Bednets: A Case Study

Christina Tewes-Gradl
Reports

The case of Sumitomo Chemical and the market for Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), written as part of the CSR Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, shows the challenges and boundaries of strengthening inclusive business ecosystems. The company acts both on a global and a local level to improve LLIN production capacity and uptake. Yet, on a global level, the continuously changing policy environment has made it hard for the company to stay abreast of developments. After rapid scale-up of production in Africa, it is now confronted with dwindling demand. The case raises questions about how companies should best navigate a highly politicized ecosystem.