Social Impact and Emerging Technologies

Catalog description

Technology excites in its promise to help transform and improve lives. Yet we observe that this promise has not always translated into reality. Through active/experiential learning this course examines the promises—and pitfalls—of technology for impact. Together we will co-create ways to examines how entrepreneurs and practitioners harness technologies to solve key challenges, while questioning how new technologies transform or reinforce dominant paradigms. It attempts to stimulate ideas on how new technologies and innovations can be harnessed and utilized for positive social benefit while mitigating risks and minimizing unintended consequences. Key Areas of Exploration: • When does a technology become emerging? • What does social impact really mean? • What opportunities for impact have new technologies created? • How disruptive or revolutionary are new technologies for impact? • What tools do we need to improve these technology-driven initiatives? • How might we mitigate unintended consequences of new technologies? • Assessment, measuring and ESG? • Mapping the stakeholders? • Adoption Curves and critical mass for skills acquisition?