Technology as a means to build a more sustainable society

In today’s world, technology, when it is used with the clear purpose of making a positive impact, becomes a key tool for building a more conscious and sustainable society.

The global connectivity provided by tech platforms makes it easier for people from different parts of the world to communicate and share ideas, fostering a collective awareness of critical issues. In addition, access to information and online education provides us with more opportunities to learn and empowers communities to address challenges in an informed and collaborative way. This digital revolution also encourages citizens to become more involved and fosters the creation of communities with a shared purpose, which, in turn, promotes democracy and transparency in decision-making.

It is no surprise then that using new technologies to achieve social innovation is also an unprecedented revolution: from using artificial intelligence and data analysis to improving healthcare and diagnosing diseases more accurately (“AI allows early detection of 20% more cases of breast cancer”) to implementing technological solutions in agriculture to address food shortages (“Agriculture 4.0 and food security”) or creating technologies to obtain electricity from plants (Bioo).

Some examples of projects that use technology to encourage more sustainable behavior changes are Wallapop (buying and selling second-hand products), Too Good To Go (to reduce food waste) or Bumerang (shared use of plastic food containers, which aims to put an end to single-use packaging). Other projects that use technology to promote inclusive participation in society are Dinder Club (Tinder for people with intellectual disabilities) or Vermut App (a social network for older people).

Given the full transformative potential of technology to make a positive impact, it is also important to consider the challenges associated with its use, such as the digital divide, privacy, and online security. Of these challenges, I think that the digital divide has the greatest social impact, because it excludes people from using technology due to unequal access to technology, or a lack of the skills or abilities required to use it properly. Therefore, for technology to make a positive impact, entrepreneurs need to think through their theory of change right from the start. They should ask themselves questions like the following: What do I want to achieve with my value proposition? What change do I want to make? Where, and/or who do I want to make an impact? How am I going to measure it? etc.

When it comes to technology projects, taking a reflective approach in designing a new initiative means several things: understanding the social, economic, and cultural context where the technology is going to be used, doing a critical analysis of its implications, and, closely related to the latter, evaluating its potential long-term impacts, both positive and negative) in the long term.

In summary, technology is a valuable tool that can help build a better society when it is used responsibly and purposefully. Its real positive impact is achieved when it is consciously integrated into an ethical framework that prioritizes inclusion, equity, and building informed, conscious, collaborative, and sustainable communities.