IBM’s ThinkPlace Challenge to spur economic development

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IBM   unveiled  its  first-ever public "ThinkPlace   Challenge,"   an   open   forum  designed  to  foster  global collaboration  on  innovation opportunities and economic development issues facing the African continent.

 

"The  top  ideas generated through the ThinkPlace Challenge will help shape the  agenda  for IBM's upcoming Global Innovation Outlook (GIO) and provide longer-term  input  for IBM's World Development Initiative (WDI)," said Dr. Daniel Dias, Director, IBM India Research Laboratory.

 

The  GIO  brings together more than 150 global thought leaders for a series of  conferences  in  seven  major  markets  around  the  world.   These GIO sessions,  comprising  leaders  in business, government, academia, NGOs and venture   capital,  are  designed  to  surface  actionable  policy  issues, investment strategies, business models and technology priorities related to innovation  and  economic  development in the region.  In a related effort, IBM  recently  launched the WDI to advance sustainable, scalable technology solutions  that will foster business development in emerging markets at the so-called "base of the pyramid."

 

"Even  in  this  era  of  global  development  and commerce, more than four billion  people  live  on  less than $5 per day," said Mark Harris, General Manager,   IBM   South   Africa.    "Philanthropy  alone  will  not  create opportunity.   To  drive  economic  development  in Africa, the private and public  sectors  need  to  collaborate  to  help develop local economies. I believe  that  these  tools  and  technologies,  along  with frank and open dialogue, can truly make a difference to the future of this region."

 

Sourced from: IBM India Research Laboratory