Multinational enterprises (MNEs) face significant challenges when applying their technologies in base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) contexts. This paper explores the mobilization of MNE technologies and local actors in the case of Grundfos LIFELINK and deploys an actor-network theory (ANT) translation framework to unravel immersion processes of MNE technologies in local BoP contexts. The study adopts a longitudinal single-case design to analyze the introduction of MNE pump technology, which provides clean water in Kenyan rural villages. The findings show that a lack of understanding of the local BoP context leads to failure in mobilizing relevant actors for the intended water-provision network and, subsequently, to an initial rejection of the technology. By focusing more on the local actors and by mobilizing additional actors, the MNE technology is successfully translated into the BoP context—albeit without the intended creation of MNE value. The paper contributes to the understanding of how MNEs can achieve technology development in BoP contexts, as well as to the evolution of BoP approaches.

中文翻译：

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试水：在金字塔底层转化跨国企业技术


跨国企业 (MNE) 在金字塔底层 (BoP) 环境中应用其技术时面临着重大挑战。本文以格兰富 LIFELINK 为例探讨了跨国企业技术和当地参与者的动员，并部署了参与者网络理论 (ANT) 翻译框架来揭示跨国企业技术在当地国际收支平衡环境中的沉浸过程。该研究采用纵向单案例设计来分析跨国公司泵技术的引入，该技术为肯尼亚乡村提供了清洁的水。研究结果表明，缺乏对当地国际收支平衡情况的了解导致无法动员相关参与者参与预期的供水网络，并随后导致最初拒绝该技术。通过更多地关注当地参与者并动员更多参与者，跨国企业技术成功地转化为国际收支平衡——尽管并没有预期创造跨国企业价值。本文有助于理解跨国公司如何在国际收支平衡背景下实现技术开发，以及国际收支平衡方法的演变。