Innovating America

Throughout this course, we've read a lot about innovations being used in developing countries and the importance of stimulating the bottom of the pyramid.  I've felt somewhat removed from this, as it feels too far away for me to grasp and really see the results. Having said that, I'm curious to learn more about innovations that have impacted or will impact our country in positive or negative ways.  I was able to find two ventures that some folks may or may not be familiar with:

Code for America
Code for America connects city governments with Web 2.0 experts to help them work around budget cuts, out-of-date information systems, and huge tax increases. Ultimately their services help governments help the citizens by using web technology in anyway possible.  2011 will be their inaugural year with 4 selected cities: Boston MA, Washington DC, Philadelphia PA, and Seattle WA.

Sources:
http://www.justmeans.com/Code-for-America-Social-Innovation-Save-America-s-Cities/18404.html
http://codeforamerica.org/what-we-do/

Living Cities
Established in 1991, Living Cities is a philanthropic collaboration of 22 of the world's largest foundations and financial institutions. Their goal is to improve the lives of low-income people and to revitalize the urban areas in which they live by investing in social innovations and projects in US cities.

Source http://www.livingcities.org/

These initiatives reinforce my hope that the issues and hardship facing US cities are just as crucial as those in developed countries.  On 10/28/10, Living Cities invested $80 million in 5 metropolitan areas to tackle problems affecting low-income residents as part of their Integration Initiative.  Living Cities CEO states: 


“The Integration Initiative was designed to take advantage of all we have learned about catalyzing changes in cities over the past 20 years,” said Living Cities CEO Ben Hecht. “Cities need flexible resources to help them move innovation from the periphery to the mainstream, to integrate change across disciplines, geographies, sectors and funding sources.”


Source: http://www.sustainablecommunitiesandstates.org/2010/10/living-cities-invests-80-million-in-projects-in-baltimore-cleveland-detroit-newark-and-twin-cities/


After reading this week's article on Masdar, I wondered how this eco-city could NOT be seen as socially exclusive.  I have to ask who will reap the benefits of its "social impact"?  This is one of those questionable endeavors that leaves you somewhat confused and curious at the same time. 


Overall, I am impressed to read of the many levels of social innovation and enterprise that exists in America as well in foreign countries. I've realized how subjective this field can be with its many dimensions, stakeholders, and 'clients.' From cell phones to Plumpynut, I leave you with this question:  


What innovation(s) should receive the top prize for societal impact? (That could be a whole other course!)