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Digitalisation

How social entrepreneurs can cut through the hype and utilise the best fit emerging technologies

GRAPHIC SUMMARY

A visual summary of the key challenges entrepreneurs need to consider when utilising the latest digital technologies. Learn more about all these aspects by reading this second edition of the newly developed online magazine on Inclusive Business! The illustration was developed by Christopher Malapitan, a visual practitioner and trainer based in Brussels. Through the use of visual storytelling methods he empowers individuals and organizations to “see” what they mean.

editorial

DIGITALISATION - A SILVER BULLET. BUT WHOSE FINGER IS ON THE TRIGGER?

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity." This is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein, but whether he said it or not, it brings us right to the heart of the debate reverberating across the world today – and no

Royston Braganza

Table of contents

graphic summary

GRAPHIC SUMMARY

A visual summary of the key challenges entrepreneurs need to consider when utilising the latest digital technologies. Learn more about all these aspects by reading this second edition of the newly developed online magazine on…

editorial

DIGITALISATION - A SILVER BULLET. BUT WHOSE FINGER IS ON THE TRIGGER?

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity." This is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein, but whether he said it or not, it brings us right to the heart of the debate reverberating across the world today – and no

Royston Braganza

feature story

Digitalisation in Inclusive Business: Insights for Social Entrepreneurs to Narrow - Not Widen - the Digital Divide

This issue of the Inclusive Business Online Magazine – broadly focused on digitalisation – unearths the complexities that social entrepreneurs utilising emerging digital technologies must confront. On the one hand, digital tools create an opportunity for more inclusive societies, enabled by scalable business models, built to foster digital inclusion. On the other hand, a growing emphasis on ‘digital solutions’ poses a very real threat of increased marginalisation, marked by an ever-wider digital divide. Thought-leaders, social entrepreneurs, researchers, and development practitioners all weigh in to provide their insights and calls to action.

Dana Gulley

How social entrepreneurs are using tech-based solutions to tackle global poverty

Social entrepreneur Jack Sim argues that digital technology can be used to create opportunities for the world´s poorest populations, but a joined-up approach from stakeholders is needed.

The future of household energy in emerging markets will be safe, convenient and online

Internet of Things technology making cooking easier and safer for families and providing businesses and organizations direct insight into clean energy adoption.

Digitalisation for inclusive business: a recipe for inclusion or further marginalisation?

Preliminary research insights indicate that while digitalisation has the power to connect low-income markets to knowledge and spur innovation at the BoP, the risk for further marginalisation must also be taken seriously.

Digital technologies can enable solutions, but are not the solutions themselves

Is blockchain the best tool to solve your problem? Will machine learning create decision-making that is more equitable? Kyle Novak shares some of the complexity that comes along with emerging technologies and the tensions entrepreneurs must consider when dealing with open data sources.

Transformative 'digital development' requires traditional human capital development

Thomas Koutsky of USAID explains that the increasing differences between the quality of network connections will have a “profound impact on the services that are available to low-income people.”