Developed Vs Developing Worlds: Lessons on Building for a Better World

Creating something that can genuinely change the world is often seen as a privilege of developed economies. They have the systems, infrastructure, and resources to enable innovation on a scale that drives global impact.

But what happens when someone transitions from working in a developed country to building a business in a developing one—and then starts exploring developed markets again? This journey has taught me that the contrasts between these two worlds are far more nuanced than they appear.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Opportunities to Win vs. Competing for Work

In developed economies, it’s about creating opportunities to win. You solve problems, build systems, and push for efficiency—automate, optimize, and scale.

In developing economies, it’s about competing for work. The focus shifts to job creation, even at the cost of efficiency. It’s understandable: when the majority needs basic incomes, keeping people employed takes priority over long-term process improvement.

One approach pushes systems forward; the other spreads the benefits wider. But without inclusivity, efficiency leaves people behind, and without innovation, inclusivity stagnates progress.

2. Make Life Easier vs. Leave Work for the Next

This one really hit me: how we view legacy.

• In developed economies, it’s about making things easier for the next person. Systems are designed so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Over time, life just gets smoother.
• In developing economies, the mindset is often about leaving work for the next person—making sure there’s something left to do, even if it creates inefficiencies.

Over time, this compounds. One world becomes streamlined; the other gets more tangled.

3. Respect for Space and Boundaries vs. Building Together

• Respect for Space. Developed economies prioritize boundaries—whether it’s personal, professional, or intellectual. IP rights, for example, are well-defined and respected, which makes people more confident about investing in innovation. 🚀
• Build Together. In developing economies, the lines are more blurred. Collaboration and community often take precedence, but this can sometimes mean less respect for ownership or boundaries.

Both approaches have their strengths, but imagine merging them: the respect for ownership of one with the collaborative spirit of the other.

4. Finite & Organized Vs Flexible and Unorganized Systems

A big difference lies in how resources and systems are managed across these worlds.

• In developed economies, there’s a finite mindset with organized systems. Budgets are planned, timelines are tight, and everything runs predictably and efficiently. Infrastructure is in place, processes are structured, and work is streamlined. Systems are created to scale with precision.
• In developing economies, the approach is more flexible with unorganized systems. Budgets often stretch (or don’t exist), timelines are fluid, and work spills beyond expected hours to “get things done.” The systems may be chaotic, but they breed resilience and adaptability. The lack of structure often leads to inefficiencies, but it also sparks creativity and problem-solving in unexpected ways.

The challenge is in finding the right balance between rigor and flexibility, between order and spontaneity—so that efficiency doesn’t stifle creativity, and flexibility doesn’t become chaos.

5. Create More vs. Work More

This boils down to how progress is defined.

• Create More. Developed economies incentivize innovation. An automated process may reduce jobs initially, but it creates better products, faster systems, and ultimately new opportunities.
• Work More. Developing economies reward effort because jobs ensure survival. But this often prevents breakthroughs that could transform systems for everyone.

True progress comes when we create innovations that improve how we live and work. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter for the long haul.

6. Value for Life vs. Value for Work

In developed economies, life is often valued more than work. There’s an emphasis on work-life balance, efficiency, and automation to free up time for personal life. The focus is on creating systems that make life easier and more fulfilling.

In developing economies, work is often valued more than life, as it is a means to ensure survival. People work long hours, often sacrificing their personal lives to earn a living. There’s a pressing need to make ends meet, with less focus on personal time.

The Big Takeaway

Having worked across these worlds, I’ve learned neither has it all figured out.

Developed economies show you how to scale and innovate, but they can sometimes miss the grit and inclusivity of developing markets. On the other hand, developing economies teach you resilience, adaptability, and how to build from the ground up, but they often sacrifice efficiency and systems thinking.

Bringing these perspectives together isn’t just an idea—it’s a necessity. Progress happens when we balance efficiency with empathy, innovation with inclusion.

Would love to hear your thoughts—how do you think we can merge these approaches to drive real, lasting change? 🌍

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