Recap: CivicTech // Tech for Social Impact
A week ago The Centre for Civic Innovation has hosted its first online conference and we couldn’t be happier!
Among our brilliant lineup of speakers, civic tech founders and participants, we discussed all the major questions, doubts and ideas regarding Civic Tech. We decided to share a brief summary of the event.
1st Panel: CivicTech around the World
Tiago Peixoto // The World Bank
Tiago Peixoto from The World Bank
Engaging with us from Africa, Tiago appealed to “Stop reinvent the wheel” by saying that there are many great tools and the next step is to make them sustainable. With many years of experience in the public sector, Tiago shares that Parliaments and Governments around the world need help in building internal digital capability. And that’s where our focus should be.
Rebecca Rumbul // My Society
Rebecca Rumbul from My Society
“As a Civic Tech organisation, about 10-15 years ago, we were focused on building tools outside government”. Rebecca shares that a few years after, they realised that the feedback loop between government e people needed to closed more effectively. Otherwise, their tools wouldn’t be that useful.
2nd Panel: CivicTech in Australia
Matt Sawkill // Code for Australia
Matt Sawkill from Code for Australia
One of the first Civic Tech organisations in Australia, Code for Australia is focused on building capability inside government through collaborative technology. Matt underlines that the improvement of existing governmental structures like Procurement and Project Management could have a great positive social impact.
Amelia Loye // The Centre for Civic Innovation
Amelia Loye from The Centre for Civic Innovation (CCI)
Amelia explained why they started CCI. To empower communities with self-belief, sponsorship and tools, so these civic innovators shape the solutions to their social, economic and environmental needs. Shared responsibility aligned with Civic Tech is the key to maximize social and economic response.
Nigel Abbot // The Fundsition
Nigel Abbot from The Fundsition
An expert in Equity Crowdfunding, Nigel shared with participants how they are helping SME business owners in Australia getting access to funding in a frictionless, simple and cost effective manner. An opportunity for civic tech founders to grow and maximise their company’s value.
Stephen Rutter // The Scale Institute
Stephen Rutter from The Scale Institute
Stephen is a member of the CCI board and founder of The Scale Institute. His work focuses on providing innovators ways to scale their business. They grow by following a developed and tested framework called Startup Approach that aligns innovation with sustainability.
World Café
This event was moderated with the highest professionalism by amazing Ross Dawson. Member of CCI board and globally recognised as a leading futurist, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and authority on business strategy.
Ross Dawson // Future Exploration Network
Seven CivicTech founders engaged the audience with energy, optimisim and quick insights about their work.
Julia Suh // Paper Plain
Julia Suh from Paper Plain
Shared her experience in building a platform to connect neighbours, so together, they can build a strong community.
Brentyn Parkin // My Community Directory
Brentyn Parkin from My Community Directory
Brentyn believes that achieving positive Social Change starts with access to quality community information.
Mel Flanagan // Nook Studios
Mel Flanagan from Nook Studios
Expert in process storytelling, Mel shares this powerful way to help governments and organisations be more open and effective.
Dane Murray // Environment.Vote
Dane Murray from Environment.Vote
Dane developed a platform to people make decisions about who to vote for in their electorate based on a set of environmental criteria.
Victor Lee // Communiteer
Victor Lee from Communiteer
Connecting Not-For-Profit organisations with skilled volunteers, to do more social good together.
Tom Dawkins // StartSomeGood
Tom Dawkins from StartSomeGood
Also CCI board member, Tom has built a crowdfunding platform with a difference: support social purpose organisations.
Leila Alem // Innovation Consultant
Leila Alem, Innovation Consultant
She shared her experience in development of ReMoTe MobileTele-assistance. Technology that connects remote experts with on-site operators.
See the recording of main panels in this video.
We had some exciting announcements during the event! Tom Dawkins announced Starting Good summit in May. Victor from Communiteer announced the Virtually Together initiative. Ben from IBM announced the Civic Tech incubator and Code for All challenge. Brentyn Parkin from My Community Directory announced the Civic Tech Institute.