From Coca Leaf to Cocoa Bean Growers

Abstract

Entrepreneurial associative initiatives (EAI) have been suggested to be a useful way for vulnerable, especially rural, communities to improve their life conditions. Although these organisations initially do get involved in product, process, organisational and marketing innovations, it is important for them to find ways of innovating permanently in order to stay ahead in such a competitive market. This chapter presents a theoretical background on the topics of relevance such as vulnerable communities, entrepreneurship and innovation which it is followed by the case of Distrito Chocolate, an EAI with a background marked by the armed conflict in Colombia, which has taken a step forward on all of their innovations activities, and furthermore has also achieved social innovation. Following the case, the authors presents some recommendations, future research avenues and conclusions, with the aim to be of assistance to practitioners, academic and policy makers interested in the EAI phenomenon