IN4 Group’s Post

What does such an idea and vision look like from your personal opinion and perspective? If we could establish, define, or develop a trust incorporation for this Universal Internet Access Foundation, it could foster comprehensive support, assistance, and multi-directional cooperation, contributing to this cause and its standardization from multiple parties or directions. From my perspective, the vision of a Universal Internet Access Foundation is both ambitious and essential. In today's interconnected world, ensuring that everyone has access to high-speed internet is crucial for social equity, economic development, and global communication. Here are a few thoughts on how this vision could be realized: 1. **Global Collaboration**: Establishing a trust incorporation would indeed foster comprehensive support. By bringing together governments, private sector companies, non-profits, and international organizations, the foundation could leverage a wide range of resources and expertise. 2. **Sustainable Funding**: A trust could provide a stable financial base, allowing for long-term planning and investment in infrastructure projects. This could include grants, donations, and partnerships with tech companies. 3. **Policy Advocacy**: The foundation could play a key role in advocating for policies that support universal internet access. This might involve lobbying for regulatory changes, promoting digital rights, and ensuring that internet access is included in national development plans. 4. **Community Engagement**: Engaging local communities in the planning and implementation process is vital. This ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of different regions and that there is local buy-in and support. 5. **Innovation and Technology**: Investing in innovative technologies, such as satellite internet and mesh networks, could help reach remote and underserved areas more effectively. 6. **Digital Literacy Programs**: Providing education and resources to help people use the internet effectively is just as important as providing access. This could include training programs, online courses, and community workshops. Overall, the idea of a Universal Internet Access Foundation is a powerful step towards a more inclusive and connected world. It would require a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders, but the potential benefits for society are immense. What aspects of this vision resonate most with you, and how do you think we can best address the challenges involved?

"Many underrepresented groups in tech are served by nonprofits that are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. One such program is P-TECH, which offers students an associate degree concurrently with their high school program. Partnering here can provide true change in society by providing more opportunities to those who don’t have connections to the tech industry in their social sphere." Check out Luke Wallace's feature in Forbes Technology Council about "How Tech Companies Can Grow Their Social Influence And Impact." Read more today! https://hubs.la/Q02JDQ5Y0

Imagine stepping into a thriving, ready community where opportunities are ripe for the taking. Investing in such a community means instant access to a powerful network, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a dynamic environment that fuels innovation. This isn't just an investment; it's a fast track to success. Don't wait to build from scratch when you can dive into a community that's already buzzing with potential. Make the smart move—invest in a ready community and watch your ambitions soar!

"Emergence violates so many of our Western assumptions of how change happens that it often takes quite a while to understand it. In nature, change never happens as a result of top-down, pre-conceived strategic plans, or from the mandate of any single individual or boss. Change begins as local actions spring up simultaneously in many different areas. If these changes remain disconnected, nothing happens beyond each locale. However, when they become connected, local actions can emerge as a powerful system with influence at a more global or comprehensive level." Using Emergence to Take Social Innovation to Scale Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze #systemthinking #socialnetworks #change #networks #emercence #regeneration #CommunityOfPractise #CommunityOfInfluence https://lnkd.in/deu8AGcT

🌍 How Tech Companies Can Expand Their Social Impact 🌍 In today's world, tech companies hold a unique position to drive positive societal change—not just through their products and services but by partnering with nonprofits, public agencies, and each other. From health monitoring technology to green energy solutions, tech innovation is shaping a better tomorrow. Here are practical ways tech organizations can enhance their social influence: Share Skills & Resources: Collaborate to solve societal challenges by offering technological solutions and skilled volunteers. Partnerships can supercharge social change. Support Tech Education: Companies should offer free technology and training to students and charities to empower future innovators. Help Nonprofits with Tech: Use your expertise to help nonprofits optimize their technology for greater mission impact. Mentorship for Diversity: Launch mentorship programs to guide underrepresented groups into tech and access untapped talent. Sponsor Tech Education Programs: Partner with programs like P-TECH to open doors for underrepresented communities in tech. Incorporate ESG Initiatives: Adopt sustainability into your business culture and operations, driving both social impact and business alignment. With the expertise of today’s tech professionals, the future can be brighter for all. Let's leverage technology for good! #TechForGood #SocialImpact #CorporateResponsibility #TechInnovation #TechForChange #SustainableTech #ESG #DiversityInTech #TechEducation #FutureOfTech #NonprofitTech #GreenEnergy #MentorshipMatters #DigitalInclusion #PartnershipForChange

This week, the New Zealand government announced a new plan to stimulate economic growth. Part of this plan includes initiatives to attract global talent and capitalise on the rising trend of digital nomadism. Digital nomads, individuals who leverage technology to work remotely from anywhere, represent a growing segment of the workforce that can contribute to local economies. The government’s scheme aims to position Aotearoa New Zealand as an attractive destination for these workers, highlighting our natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and emerging digital infrastructure as key selling points. While this scheme may have potential to bring in economic benefits, it highlights a glaring irony: how can we champion economic growth and attract digital nomads while ignoring the widening digital divide that hinders so many of our own people from participating in this very growth? The ability to access affordable connectivity and gain essential digital literacy skills is no longer a luxury, it is a human right. From education and job applications to healthcare and running small businesses, digital inclusion is fundamental to participating in modern life. Yet, for many whānau, reliable internet remains unaffordable and access to devices and training is out of reach. This lack of connectivity and skills effectively locks out many New Zealanders from opportunities, including the potential to become digital nomads themselves. The irony deepens when we consider the ripple effects of digital exclusion. Communities unable to access digital tools and training are not only left out of economic opportunities but are also disproportionately affected by the societal challenges that technology could help alleviate. For instance, subsidised and integrated telehealth services like the successful Pokapū o te Taiwhenua Network project, have proven to bridge critical gaps in healthcare outcomes for our rural communities however consistently lack ongoing financial support. If the government is serious about fostering economic growth, we feel that closing the digital divide must be a central pillar of its strategy. As outlined in the Report into Affordable Connectivity, DECA recommends the following: - Introduce a digital equity payment, similar to the Winter Energy Payment, with an initial focus on the 58,000 families earning less than $42,200 per year - Fund community organisations offering digital skills programmes, devices and wrap around support, through an NGO intermediary - Partner with local government to fund community hubs to provide last resort support to people struggling to access essential services online - Introduce a digital inclusion index so we can measure progress Investing in affordable broadband infrastructure, community-driven digital literacy programmes and equitable device distribution is not just about connectivity, it is about empowering New Zealanders to contribute to and benefit from the digital future.

Economic factors play a significant role in digital inclusion. Digital inclusion refers to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of technology, including internet connectivity. Economic factors can prevent individuals and communities from accessing technology and the internet, leading to a digital divide. Factors such as income, education, and employment can influence a person's ability to access technology. People with low incomes may not be able to afford the cost of technology equipment, internet services, or mobile data plans. This can affect their ability to access online education and job opportunities, and hinder their ability to participate in the digital economy. To guarantee affordable access to technology for everyone, various strategies can be implemented. For example, governments can subsidize the costs of internet access and provide free public Wi-Fi in areas where internet coverage is inadequate. Education initiatives can also be implemented to help people acquire digital skills and become more comfortable with technology. Non-profit organizations can also play a role in fostering digital inclusion. For instance, providing discounted or free computer and internet access to low-income households, or providing digital literacy classes to marginalized populations can improve their access to technology. In conclusion, the availability, accessibility, and affordability of technology is essential to achieving digital inclusion, which is crucial in promoting equitable economic development. As such, governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals must work together to ensure that everyone has access to affordable technology and other resources needed to participate in the digital economy.

With the growing digitalization, there is an opportunity — and a need — to make tech roles in nonprofits more appealing. Here are the five things to keep in mind if you are interested in working in the #TechforGood space: Thanks to Alex P. N., director of product and analytics at Ulula; Sunita Grote, ventures team lead at UNICEF Venture Fund, and Jim Fruchterman, founder and CEO of Tech Matters for sharing their insights during this conversation for Devex. 1. You don’t need to be a programming wizard. In the technology industry today, particularly with developers, having a degree is not as important as having practical skills, Nguyen said, adding that many companies prioritize hands-on ability over formal education or certificates. 2. Businesses can do good, and also profit Understanding the business perspective is important. Development professionals are in it to help create a better world, and oftentimes have an “allergic reaction” when businesses ask “What's in it for me?” However, it's important to recognize that business people need to see tangible benefits to support initiatives. 3. Have a firm grasp of AI and its implications While generative AI is “all the rage,” Tech for Good has been slower in adopting it due to concerns about privacy, data ownership, and security in terms of data leakage and hacking, said Nguyen. Ensuring that even the most basic users understand how their data will be used and maintaining their right to opt out at any point is crucial. 4. Be aware of the pay and funding gap Securing funding for Tech for Good nonprofits is challenging since donors are often not excited about technology, explained Fruchterman. “It’s the nonprofit sector, so finding money is always a challenge,” Fruchterman said, adding “As long as you’re not focused on the big money, it’s a lot more rewarding!”. You can read the full article on Devex here: https://lnkd.in/g6cwXrHN

This next panel has a different take. It considers how technology can be used for societal benefit as well as business efficiency. It’s hosted by Annie Legge from Tech4Good South West, and is joined by Pranav Vyas of Localverse Platforms Ltd and Josh Simpkins of Future Talent Group. Annie is an experienced leader across tech and social sectors, with a passion to inspire and lead others to create positive social impact. Annie’s work is driven by a purpose, emphasising community building and supporting individuals to enact change. Pranav studied economics at the University of Bath and founded LocalVerse with a passion for technology and sustainability. Pranav aspires to help local economies and communities thrive in an increasingly digital and sustainable world. ”Profit is key to sustainable growth and to support a focus on helping communities that you want to help. Collaboration is key and support is out there for young people, you’ve just got to go out and ask for it.” Josh’s mission with Future Talent Group is simple: to be recognised as a trusted talent consultancy while also making a real impact by supporting the communities we operate within. “Tech4 Good is a broad subject, but using it to create impact. Work with companies with big budgets and advice, engage your networks and build partnerships.” Annie’s advice: “Find your tribe” Pranav’s advice: “Take risks, no one knows how to do anything before they do it so have confidence to try.” Josh’s advice - “You get back what you put out, there’s no clear return on time or commitment, you can meet amazing people, and building your network is huge when starting the journey, you’ll discover shared and aligned values.”

Really enjoyed being part of this panel talk, thank you Annie Legge for being a great panel host, and EntreConf for inviting Tech4Good South West. I hope the budding entrepreneurs in attendance felt inspired by Josh Simpkins and my journey. 🙌🏽 Some highlights from me: “Artificial General Intelligence will cause major economic shocks to international labour markets, and the world economy is not prepared for this. LocalVerse has designed a solution that can help with this transition.”💡 “Our bottom-up approach will help grow local economies and connect local communities. We want to enable ordinary people and ordinary businesses to benefit from the transformative potential of AI.” 👥 “I’m a big believer in synergies. People and organisations can accomplish more together than they can individually” 📈 “We had pre-seed funding at the beginning of 2024, are raising our next round to kick off 2025.” 💰 “Take risks. No one knows how to do anything before they do it. Have the confidence to try.” 🫵🏽 “We have had some great support on our journey so far from University of Bath, West of England Combined Authority’s Growth Hub, techSPARK uk’s Start Inncubator Program, and the Bristol NatWest Accelerator program. The support for young entrepreneurs in the South West is there, you just have to ask for it.” 🤝🏽 #entrepreneur #socialimpact #impactenterprise #tech4good #startup #seed #investment