TechBridgeWorld innovates and implements technology solutions to meet sustainable development needs around the world. Through strong collaborations with partners in developing communities, we explore and enhance the role of technology globally, focusing on two main principles: sharing expertise to create innovative and locally suitable solutions, and empowerment of indigenous populations to create sustainable solutions. Through these efforts TechBridgeWorld creates technology accessible and relevant to all.
TechBridgeWorld is shaping the future of technology for the globe. We cast the vision of technology accessible and relevant to all while defining technology to be broad; including, but not limited to, information and communication technologies. To this end, we work to increase the diversity of both creators and consumers of technology. TechBridgeWorld builds partnerships with developing communities to understand collective assets and authentic needs. Together, we create sustainable technical solutions to address challenges in development. We are a multidisciplinary team embedded within Carnegie Mellon University, spanning education, research, development, deployment, and outreach, dedicated to defining the role of technology in sustainable global development.
Most developing communities have not benefited from technological advancements to date; in cases where technology has benefited these communities, the benefits are often highly asymmetric. Thus, technology has contributed to divides between developed and developing communities that further impede the development process. While many organizations continue to focus on enabling sustainable development, very few organizations have studied the role of technology in this process. TechBridgeWorld at Carnegie Mellon University is spearheading the innovation and implementation of technological solutions relevant and accessible to developing communities; using technology to build bridges rather than exacerbate divides.
Designing and implementing technology that can enhance suitable and sustainable development presents unique challenges in creativity and resourcefulness. As a world leader in technology innovation, Carnegie Mellon University has a wealth of experience in developing and disseminating advanced technology within the United States, and a wealth of human resources in terms of talented and dedicated technologists. Furthermore, our interdisciplinary partnerships with colleagues in many fields including public policy, business, international relations, and social sciences, further strengthen the collective wealth of resources we have to offer. TechBridgeWorld capitalizes on this collective experience and talent, and joins forces with partners from around the world to extend the benefits of technology to developing communities.
Central to our vision is encouraging locally suitable and locally sustainable technology solutions by adhering to each community's vision of progress, thus preserving their ownership of the benefits and consequences of the realized development. As with any bridge, the technology "bridges" we create will benefit participants on both sides of each bridge, enhancing technology skills and increasing awareness about sustainable development and global cultures. By increasing meaningful access to technology in developing communities, TechBridgeWorld envisions enhancing not only the development process, but also the creativity and diversity of technological innovations accessible to all.
We hope you will join us in this important endeavor.
TechBridgeWorld is dedicated to improving people's lives by enhancing and sharing advances in technology to promote sustainable development throughout the globe. Our vision is to create and foster an environment where Carnegie Mellon faculty, students, and staff, together with partners from around the world, share expertise to cooperatively realize a community's vision of development. We encourage locally suitable and sustainable technology by adhering to each community's vision of progress, thus preserving their ownership of the benefits and consequences of the realized vision.
We envision a world where:
- Global sharing of technological innovation and related knowledge is a common practice
- Students and professionals enable culturally sensitive technology development
- Creative technology solutions address problems affecting developing communities
- Technology no longer exacerbates divides, but instead diminishes social divides
- Advanced technology is accessible and relevant to all
- The frontiers of technological innovation are advanced by the diversity of the creators of this technology
- Cultural awareness, respect, and tolerance across borders is enhanced by shared technology
- The lives of future generations around the world are enriched through the appropriate use of technology
To be posted soon