Computing for Good: SolarSPELL as Public Interest Technology

Abstract:

We often hear the expression “Tech for Good” but not really “Computing for Good”. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Academy even runs a whole course on this theme which I’ve contributed a few modules to. We all too often hear the term used to describe an effort that is meant to positively impact a person, a place or community. In this instance, Dr Laura Hosman’s SolarSPELL is trying to empower communities to have access to vital information that may help them sustain their livelihoods. I am continually fascinated by the idea of a piece of technology, that can store information, that might help in terms of:

• better health outcomes

  • information about hygiene, access to pharmaceuticals, access to doctors and hospitals and first aid

  • family planning information

• better agricultural outcomes

  • calculations to fertilizer application, or innovative but simple enhanced harvesting processes or raising of animals etc

• social entrepreneurship opportunities

  • how can women become a part of the economy through their ingenuity, skills, and gifts

• geodemographic data

  • visualisations of the place surrounding us, data on demographics, location information, road networks, other opportunities for rights of way, including sewage

• new pseudo-economic initiatives based on cultural values and human generosity

  • blockchain related opportunities via SolarSPELL, even the institutions of “non financial systems” like “timebanks” to give and receive freely in communities without the need to exchange money

• etc

The focus of this presentation will be to visualise the possibilities, the needs, the challenges, but to consider the importance of a user-centric design approach to the information most needed by communities in different parts of the world. What data? Why? How will we figure this out?

This is where Public Interest Technology programs come in teaching the essential mechanisms by which to work in the public interest. Computing like SolarSPELL are ripe candidates for “Public Interest Technology” because they empower communities through a process of appropriation. The effort has to be led by the people who will benefit from the SolarSPELL and what they can give as equal partners in the process of innovation and diffusion. This of course takes time, and patience. Something I know the SolarSPELL team has a lot of!

5 January 2021

Today, I was asked to speak at the 2 day SolarSPELL-led conference at ASU being hosted by Dr Laura Hosman. I said “yes” because I believe in the mission of this work! The potential is so great and especially to mobilize communities around access to vital information. Here was my brief:

The virtual conference will take place on March 19th and 20th (USA), and as you know, demonstrate to our student attendees how the SolarSPELL initiative uses 'computing for good'. Since a main goal of this workshop is to introduce students to the possibility of furthering their education in computer science, and particularly to graduate programs available at ASU, we would love to feature the Public Interest Technology program.

If you like what you see and would consider donating to the SolarSPELL.org cause, please contact Dr Laura Hosman, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University.