Social Good: Tech Making a Positive Impact

Nearly 1.6 billion students in 194 countries were affected by school closures during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasises the need for alternative methods to ensure educational continuity. Technology and digital platforms facilitated continuous access to education by providing new ways of learning.

Technology has brought convenience to our daily routines and helps improve the quality of life for millions of people. However, as opportunity and responsibility go hand in hand, technology has also been a driving force in creating positive social change. From sustainable solutions that reduce our carbon footprint to educational platforms that bridge gaps in learning, technology is changing lives for the better.

A global shift towards sustainability and ethical responsibility has encouraged the use of technology to contribute positively to society. In this article, we will discuss how technology helps maintain equality and improve the quality of life in society.

Sustainable tech projects

With the growing concern for the environment, technology has played a crucial role in developing solutions that promote sustainability. From renewable energy solutions to waste management systems, multiple tech projects are making a positive impact on the environment.

Some notable examples of sustainable tech projects that address pressing environmental challenges are:

• RoboBees: The RoboBees project aims to address the decline in honey bee populations due to climate change. Autonomous robotic bees maintain plant pollination and prevent ecological imbalances.

• Groasis Waterboxx: The Groasis Waterboxx is an intelligent irrigation method that enables tree growth with 90% less water than traditional methods. It promotes sustainable agriculture in arid regions and supports crop growth in water-scarce environments.

• AirCarbon: AirCarbon creates plastic from greenhouse gases. It eliminates methane emissions and other harmful gases released during traditional plastic production.

• Solar Roadways: The Solar Roadways project aims to transform traditional roads into solar-powered surfaces that generate electricity. It will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide sustainable energy for communities.

Community empowerment through tech

Technology bridges the gap between those with access to resources and those without. It has enabled communities to connect and exchange knowledge, resources, and ideas regardless of geographic location. Empowering communities through technology promotes inclusivity through entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic resilience. It also enables better healthcare delivery through telemedicine services, remote consultations, and AI-enabled diagnosis. Digital platforms help publicise health education programs to improve community health outcomes.

Here are a few Initiatives fostering education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare across the globe:

• Khan Academy: A pioneer in free online education, Khan Academy offers courses across various subjects. It promotes democratisation of education and is available to learners worldwide.

• Doctor on Demand: Doctor on Demand is an online platform that offers virtual visits to physicians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. The consultations are free or at a nominal fee, making healthcare more accessible.

• e-RaktKosh: The e-RaktKosh is a centralised blood bank management system that ensures proper collection and monitoring of donated blood. It is a configurable rule-based IT architecture for adequate quality and quantity blood management.

• WEE Foundation: Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment (WEE Foundation) is a national initiative spearheaded by IIT Delhi. It is a pioneering initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering women from diverse backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship.

Health tech for social impact

Technology is improving healthcare access and outcomes is profound. It connects people to vital healthcare services regardless of geographical or socio-economic status. 

The significant advancements are:

• Telemedicine: Telemedicine enables remote patients to consult with healthcare professionals via video conferencing. It is valuable for patients in remote or underserved areas with limited access to healthcare. 

An example is Teladoc, a platform that helps patients receive medical advice, ongoing monitoring, and prescriptions without needing to leave their homes.

• Health tracking technologies: Devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers have made it easier for individuals to monitor their vitals and receive real-time feedback on their physical activity. They track everything from heart rate to sleep patterns. These devices provide valuable data for early detection of health issues and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

FreeStyle Libre 3 is a wearable continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that displays real-time glucose readings and alerts to make treatment decisions. Similarly, wearable ECG devices help monitor heart health, and Wearable biosensor patches collect data on patient movement, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Augusta University Medical Center states wearable devices reduce patient health deterioration by 89%.

• Well-being apps: Mobile and web-based well-being applications offer features and insights to help users improve their mental health. They function as a personal guide and a way to monitor progress towards better mental well-being. 

Platforms like MyFitnessPal and Healthify assist individuals in tracking their dietary habits and exercise routines. It helps promote healthier living through data analysis and personalised feedback. Similarly, Headspace is an online platform that offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. It promotes mental well-being through suggestions to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Tech-driven educational initiatives

Ed-Tech is transforming education by making learning customised and more accessible to learners worldwide. Bridging educational gaps using digital platforms and online learning resources allows students in remote or underserved areas to receive quality education. 

Tech-driven initiatives connect students with expert educators' innovative teaching methodologies and interactive learning resources. EdTech is helping make education more interactive, engaging, and effective.

Here are a few examples of technology helping enhance learning experiences

• Digital Classrooms: Microsoft has piloted digital classrooms in several states in India. The infrastructure includes virtual classrooms, digital class notebooks, internet, power backups, and projection systems. Educational content and guidance for technology-led teaching are also available for teachers.

• Atal Tinkering Labs: An initiative by the Government of India, Atal Tinkering Labs supports innovation and out-of-the-box thinking by school students. It provides resources and infrastructure for hands-on learning and experimentation.

• Coding courses: Code.org encourages students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to learn coding. It offers free online courses to equip students with critical 21st-century skills. The platform promotes computer science education in schools by facilitating teachers through a comprehensive curriculum and a robust learning platform.

Innovations in social services

Tech-based solutions like data analytics, mobile apps, and online platforms are creating new avenues for support. They help spread awareness about social challenges that may go unnoticed and facilitate resource allocation to those in need.

Technology serves as a foundation for developing scalable and sustainable solutions to some of society's most pressing social challenges: 

• Poverty alleviation: Initiatives like GiveDirectly utilise mobile technology to transfer cash directly to the hands of people experiencing poverty. Bypassing traditional barriers aids in fair distribution and positively impacts alleviation efforts.
• Combating hunger: Microsoft is actively participating in the fight against hunger through an innovative AI-powered smartphone app named Child Growth Monitor (CGM). The app scans children and instantly detects signs of malnutrition, enabling nutritionists to make informed decisions about a child's dietary health. 
• Addressing homelessness: Tech innovations are also pivotal in aiding people without homes. Digital platforms like Homeless Link use data and analytics to identify trends, patterns, and service gaps to prevent homelessness. Similarly, the Shelter App assists homeless and low-income families. It facilitates connections to crucial services and resources through web and mobile app platforms.

Digital inclusion efforts

The benefits of technology must reach across all layers of society, thereby helping to reduce the digital divide. Digital inclusion initiatives include providing access to internet-enabled devices, improving digital literacy, and ensuring that digital content is universally accessible. The goal is to provide technological tools and empower individuals to use them effectively to improve their lives.

Notable efforts for promoting digital inclusion are:

• Access to connectivity: A campaign launched by the Government of India, Digital India is a multifaceted initiative to ensure government services are available to citizens electronically. It focuses on increasing internet connectivity and making citizens digitally empowered. Connecting rural areas with high-speed internet networks bridges the digital gap. It allows access to educational, medical, and governmental services online.

• Digital literacy for all: Pratham Education Foundation has significantly contributed to digital inclusion through its Digital Sakshar project. It aims to enhance digital literacy among underprivileged children and adults in rural areas. By setting up digital learning centres and providing tablets preloaded with educational content, Pratham has made learning more accessible and engaging.

• Digital infrastructure as a utility: The Common Service Centers (CSCs) scheme under the Digital India program promotes digital inclusion by reaching the last mile. CSCs are access points for delivering various electronic services to villages in India. They enable citizens in rural and remote areas to access e-services related to education, agriculture, health, and financial services.

Tech and humanitarian aid

Humanitarian organisations can optimise their operations using technology. It helps them ensure timely and effective aid delivery to those in need. It supports and protects vulnerable populations across the globe.

Some of the latest innovations are:

• Disaster response: Drones and satellite imagery assess disaster-hit areas rapidly. For instance, after natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, drones can quickly map affected regions, identifying the extent of damage and the areas in dire need of assistance. Nepal utilised it to fight the aftermath of earthquakes. Drones aid rescue and relief operations while providing critical insights into the damage and survivor locations.
• Refugee support: Blockchain technology offers a secure and transparent way to aid refugees. The United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) Building Blocks project uses blockchain to deliver cash assistance to refugees efficiently. The project ensures support reaches its intended recipients without the need for intermediaries.
• Crisis management: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms play significant roles in crisis management. It analyses vast amounts of data to forecast natural disasters. The technology enables preemptive measures. A case in point is the use of AI by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), which predicts natural disaster trends, helping governments and NGOs prepare and mitigate potential impacts effectively.

CSR in tech

Tech companies are increasingly integrating social responsibility into their core operations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives contribute to positive social change and align with stakeholders' values. They enhance corporate reputations and contribute to sustainable development programs such as:

• Renewable energy commitments: Tech companies like Google and Apple have committed to operating entirely on renewable energy. These initiatives reduce carbon footprints and contribute to the fight against climate change.
• Educational programs and scholarships: Initiatives like Amazon’s Future Engineer program aim to inspire and educate children and young adults. They are designed for individuals from underrepresented communities for careers in computer science. Scholarships and internships also facilitate their journeys.
• Health and well-being initiatives: IBM's Health Corps is a prime example of a company that leverages its resources and expertise to strengthen health systems. It targets underserved communities around the globe. The initiative aims to make lasting improvements in public health.
• Sustainable supply chains: Acknowledging the critical importance of reducing environmental impact, the DHL Group launched the GoGreen initiative. It is a pioneering approach to creating sustainable supply chain solutions. The strategies are implemented through innovative carbon reporting tools. It enhances transparency and accountability in emissions. The company also invests significantly in alternative, cleaner energy sources like biofuels, electricity, and hydrogen. 
• Innovation for accessibility: Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility is a dedicated grant program that harnesses the power of AI to amplify human capability. It supports more than one billion people worldwide with a disability and positively impacts society.

The future of tech for social good

The evolving role of technology in addressing societal challenges is significant. Organisations like JPMorgan Chase and Avanade actively leverage technology for social good. They focus on creating sustainable technology solutions for nonprofit organisations, building tech-savvy workforces, and empowering communities through technology.

Emerging trends in technology for social good include the following:

• Blockchain for transparent supply chains: Blockchain technology helps create transparent supply chains. It ensures accountability and traceability across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and mining industries.
• IoT for smarter and more sustainable cities: The Internet of Things (IoT) is creating more innovative and sustainable cities. It helps by optimising energy management, reducing waste, and enhancing overall efficiency.
• AI-driven data analytics for sustainable farming: AI-powered data analytics transform farming practices by analysing soil quality, weather conditions, and crop health. The algorithm also provides recommendations for sustainable farming methods.

Technology's potential for further positive impact on society lies in providing innovative solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, energy efficiency, healthcare accessibility, poverty alleviation, and education.

Summary

Technology addresses global healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and disaster relief challenges. It empowers positive change by bridging divides and creating a more equitable world.

Cross-sector collaborations between tech companies, governments, and non-profit organisations can ensure that technological advancements are accessible and beneficial to all. The partnerships must mainly focus on the underserved and marginalised communities.

About the author: Akancha Tripathi is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Akancha is a national award-winning content writer and has experience creating well-researched content for industry-leading technology companies.