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IT’s impact is undeniable. From the ways we conduct business to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges, IT changes our reality.
For example, imagine a world where AI helps doctors make more informed decisions and helps more people. Or picture a future where people can distribute renewable energy efficiently and take part in promoting a more sustainable future. These are not just pipe dreams. This is our reality now.
We all know that AI in medicine is indispensable. With its help, doctors can make faster and more accurate diagnoses and potentially save many lives. Those who live far away now have access to much-needed medical care, and all this leads to an increase in patient satisfaction. However, the effect of AI for social good extends far beyond medicine!
Read this article and find out:
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of IT for social good. What does it mean?
CSR implies businesses operate in a way that is both profitable and sustainable in the long term. An example that immediately comes to mind is the famous Tesla company. It promotes avoiding fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
So, how does IT spark that positive social impact? Let’s explore technology's transformative potential for social change.
Imagine a patient who lives far from the big cities. How could he get qualified healthcare help? The road can be long and expensive, but the necessity of visiting a doctor persists.
The answer to this problem is Telemedicine. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, this concept can significantly improve patient satisfaction. Great result! Does it?
Telemedicine and healthcare technology help to manage chronic conditions or reduce healthcare costs. This means that people can be quickly diagnosed and get treatment initiated.
Of course, it’s not a magic bullet, and certain limitations exist. For example, Telemedicine may not be suitable for those who need specialized equipment or complex procedures requiring physical examinations. Apart from that, a good internet connection is a must for benefiting from telemedicine. And this can be a challenge in rural areas.
According to a study by McKinsey & Company, telemedicine could generate $250 billion to $450 billion for the US. There were over 50 million healthcare consultations in 2020. And the trend is rising!
Another critical point here is mental health support. Online therapy platforms can be a remedy for many. Chatbots can answer basic questions and connect individuals with qualified specialists remotely. This approach benefits those who fear meeting psychologists in person. In fact, online therapy platforms could be as effective as traditional ones!
Because important information is collected from sensors on water, land, and air, technology for social change helps detect climate trends, deforestation, or volcanic eruptions. This helps to take timely, proactive protection measures.
Environmental technology helps scientists create sophisticated climate models that predict future climate patterns. What’s more, the social impact of technology goes far beyond this application. Farmers are already optimizing water usage and crop yields to conserve valuable resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, Project LEAP (Land, Ecosystem, and Atmosphere Partnership) uses satellite imagery and AI to monitor deforestation in real time, assisting efforts to combat illegal logging.
Also, a non-profit organization, Wasteless Planet, tries to educate people and foster a community of like-minded individuals. It is fighting against plastic pollution and sharing blog posts, articles, and videos to support this topic.
With the help of AI for social good, we can predict disasters. For example, consider Japan. The country is highly susceptible to earthquakes, and tsunamis have also become a tremendous problem.
Earlier, the earthquakes were a complete and unpleasant surprise. However, now citizens have a chance to prepare for them beforehand. AI analyzes vast amounts of seismic data collected by a network of sensors and identifies subtle patterns. This early warning system can give people precious seconds to evacuate or take shelter, potentially saving countless lives.
Actually, technology reduces disaster-related deaths by up to 30%. Real-time weather monitoring also helps with floods and hurricanes. For example, in 2020, due to AI capabilities, a lot of people were able to prepare for Hurricane Laura in Louisiana. Although this disaster devasted the city, many residents moved to higher ground, which potentially saved lives for many.
Such countries as Bangladesh and India have already implemented special systems that combine real-time weather monitoring with historical flood data and AI-powered analytics. This caused a significant decline in flood-related deaths.
IT can make learning accessible to everyone. No matter where you live or what your socioeconomic background is,. Access to technology can bridge the gap.
It is interesting that, according to a World Bank study, every 10% increase in internet access translates to a 1.5% rise in literacy rate. In addition to this, access to online education can increase GDP by up to 1.5.
Just like with medicine, access to quality education often depends on your location. Rural areas or geographically isolated regions usually need more qualified specialists. This leads to an uneven playing field for students.
Initiatives like e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, or educational apps and games are only a few examples of how technology for good works for different population groups. According to the Global Education Monitoring Report, over one billion students were impacted by COVID-19, so they should look for online learning resources to continue their education.
For example, you can imagine the difference between the libraries in a big megapolis like New York and a small village hidden in the depths of the countryside. With e-learning, students can access Harvard textbooks and lecture recordings from world-renowned professors at their fingertips. This eliminates the limitations of a physical library and its collection.
For example, Khan Academy offers different online courses and learning materials, all for free. Beginning with math and ending with economics, history, or humanities, Khan Academy is a way to prepare for exams or simply learn more about the topics of interest.
It is interesting that this platform makes use of adaptive learning technology. This means that the learning path would be tailored to individual needs and progress. Khan Academy can also be helpful for teachers. With its help, they can complement their lessons with interesting materials.
Apart from those specific applications, certain approaches help to bridge the gap between traditional business and social good. What are these approaches?
Impact investing is a new approach that implies investing in organizations that generate positive environmental impact. This isn’t philanthropy, as there is measurement and tracking of social and environmental outcomes with the help of special metrics.
One of the shining examples is Nestle's investment in a company developing fortified milk. This initiative was intended to address malnutrition in children living in developing countries.
Although there is no information on whether those initiatives bring profits for companies like Nestle, it is important to say that impact investing can be financially rewarding alongside its social and environmental benefits. Stats prove this fact. According to a 2019 study by the GIIN, 55% of impact investment opportunities result in market-competing returns. This indicates that doing good can also be good for the bottom line.
Famous companies like Johnson & Johnson also invested in a social enterprise that provides affordable vision care services, which has greater potential for market expansion.
Social entrepreneurship implies that individuals or organizations develop innovative solutions to address social problems.
Social enterprises operate in a variety of ways. They could be non-profits with earned income. They could also be for-profit social organizations or hybrid models. Specific ways in which businesses help are by creating jobs in underserved communities as well as empowering individuals or promoting innovation.
Benefit corporations aim to generate profit and create a positive social impact simultaneously. This means these businesses should report on their effort related to the social good alongside their financial performance.
As an example, we can talk about Patagonia. This certified benefit corporation uses its financial resources to support environmental initiatives.
Cause marketing involves partnering with a non-profit organization or social cause. By cause here, we mean a specific environmental issue that an organization aims to address. For sure, the cause should align with the company's audience and values.
For example, businesses can develop limited-edition products co-branded with the NPO. Or they can create specific marketing campaigns to raise awareness among people.
Now, let’s explore the big stories of famous companies using technology to solve social problems.
Of course, Tesla and Patagonia, mentioned above, are not the only examples of sustainable technology. Let’s see how some of the biggest tech companies leverage IT for social good.
Microsoft's "Tech for Social Good" initiative utilizes its technology and cloud computing power to tackle global challenges. One example is their work with NGOs to provide digital literacy training and affordable internet access in underserved communities. This empowers individuals and fosters economic development.
Salesforce, a cloud computing giant, is renowned for its commitment to social good. Their free online learning platform, Trailhead, offers IT skills training to anyone, regardless of background. This initiative helps bridge the digital skills gap and empowers individuals to pursue careers in the tech industry. Additionally, Salesforce actively contributes to philanthropic causes through grants and volunteer programs.
IBM's "SkillsBuild" program equips individuals with in-demand skills for the digital age. Through online courses and certifications, SkillsBuild empowers individuals to gain valuable IT knowledge and increase their employability. Additionally, their P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College) initiative helps high school students gain industry-recognized tech certifications while earning college credit.
Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm, utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) for social good. One prominent example is their work on Project Euphonia, which uses AI to help people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) communicate by mimicking their natural voices. This initiative demonstrates the potential of AI to improve lives and address human challenges.
Cisco, a leader in networking solutions, uses its technology to bridge the digital divide. They partner with NGOs and educational institutions to provide internet access and IT infrastructure to underserved communities. This initiative fosters digital inclusion and empowers communities to participate fully in the global economy.
These are just a few examples of how famous companies are harnessing the power of IT to create positive social change. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and impactful initiatives from these tech titans in the years to come.
Starbucks offers digital literacy programs through its mobile app and in-store kiosks. These programs help customers, especially in underserved communities, develop basic computer skills and learn how to navigate the digital world. This empowers individuals to access online resources for education, job searching, and communication.
LS&Co. developed a digital platform that allows factory workers to anonymously report issues related to safety, wages, or working conditions. This platform empowers workers to have a voice and ensures fair treatment throughout their supply chain.
The key takeaway? IT can definitely be a force for good, bridging geographical divides, empowering communities, and fostering innovation in addressing social issues.
IT for social good has vast and ever-evolving potential. As we’ve seen, a lot of big companies are benefiting from IT in order to create a more equitable and sustainable world. IT for social good has many applications. And only some of them include promoting sustainability and well-being, combating climate change, enhancing education, and more.
If you share our vision and want to be a part of something big, then we are ready to help you with our IT solutions.
Let's use IT to make a positive impact. Contact Innovation Feel today to discuss your needs and explore how to make a difference!
Yurii Dobrianskyi, the author of this piece, is a Co-Founder and CEO of Innovation Feel and founder of Devler.io. Yurii's extensive experience as a Ruby On Rails software engineer aided him in forming strong teams that serve as a digital bridge between clients and engineers, allowing both sides to effortlessly interact.
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