Sunday, October 6, 2013

Technology is not cheap for social entrepreneurs


All of this week’s readings are exciting. Technology never stops amazing people and empowering innovative ideas. Even five years ago, no one could believe the idea of eco-city on a dessert would become truth today, though it may not be as perfect as it was expected to be.

However, technology is not cheap. No matter to build an eco-city or to introduce 3D printer to be widely applied, all of these amazing technology and ideas are built on millions even billions of dollars. How to empower people in the developing countries or the disadvantaged communities by technology? Maybe one individual company like Google is capable to provide Internet connection to people in Kenya by Loonproject, but it may not resolve the root problems. They cannot rely on donation for good. After all, finding a way which is more accessible and cheaper for those regions is much more practical. Technology motivates innovative ideas and in turn innovation is powered by technology.

What is Loon? 

I found a quite inspiring film from the 10th Annual Skroll World Forum’s Opening Plenary--Dare To Imagine. The scientists and social entrepreneurs in the film put lots of significance on connection between people from different parts of the world. 

Dare to Imagine:


It reminds me of the Thomas Friedman’s idea that “the world is flat”. The future of social innovation relies on new technology and collaboration between societies. Collaboration requires more interaction between both parties—the advantaged and the disadvantaged. As a result, social innovation would bring more radical changes no matter for emerging market or for developed market. The question is: are people willing to open their hearts to accept ideas and collaborate? How would it happen years later? 

Also, see 10 Ideas Driving Future Social Innovation
http://socialinnovationmn.com/10-ideas-driving-future-social-innovation/

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