Dynamic Duo, Part Trois!
Social Entrepreneurs and Technology Pioneers kicked off the first day full day of Davos with a Dynamic Duo workspace. Many participants braved the snow to get to the WorkStudio at 8am t his morning – a testament to the enthusiasm that both communities share in discussing new ideas and potential partnerships. This workstudio marks the third dedicated interactive meeting between Social Entrepreneurs and Tech Pioneers in a series of three thus far. This time, we were also joined by Forum guests, including representatives from partner companies as well as people from the financial/investors community, which made the discussions even more invigorating and insightful.
Breakout groups revolved around topics of mutual interest, including education, health, the basics – food and water, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, and a more sustainable planet. The workstudio session had three parts – the first of which involved speed-dating between rotating pairs; the second a brainstorming around how to address shocking statistics that shape the topic area; and finally, a report-back along with a time of reflection.
Some of the shocking statistics discussed in groups include the following:
40% of all produced food is wasted.
18% of the world’s population uses the 75% of the world’s energy resources.
1.1 billion people lack secure rights to land.
2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.
Higher education increases the income generation capacity of people 4 to 10 times.
The energy in the room was quite palpable as participants brainstormed collaborative solutions that would bring the statistics in the right direction. One proposal around the issue of land rights was to bring in more transparency through anti-corruption campaigns and public official evaluations on public websites. Private sector should also be able to make investments into land development and offer other services, hence, providing government with a source of taxable revenue, so that the latter can focus on implementing reliable and effective enforcement of related legislation.
The two-hour interactive session came to a close with a moment of reflection. It’s obvious that in convening a group of extremely entrepreneurial and pragmatic visionaries, there’s no shortage of great ideas. One participant remarked, “We have powerful ideas but we lack power. Can we make it a dynamic trio next time by inviting state actors to brainstorm with us?” Will the Dynamic Duo become a Dynamic Trio at our next global meeting? Stay tuned!
Editor's note
Vivian Gee, Head, Asia
Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
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