USRIO+2.0 - Bridging Connection Technologies and Sustainable Development

A three day gathering at Stanford University of global policy-makers, practitioners, and innovators on the use of connection technologies (SMS, mobile, web, etc.) to advance sustainable development solutions in the fields of health, the environment, agriculture, and sustainable economic growth. We will explore existing and proposed technologies and the opportunities as well as attributes of the innovation culture, and the role of governments and civil society in fostering broader innovation. The event will be interactive, combining talks and panels with audience participation through breakout sessions and a final “unconference” session. By Invitation only

Outcome

We will create linkages between the technology and sustainability communities, examining present and prospective utilization of connection technologies for development purposes. Participants will be asked to define “innovation challenges” for how connection technologies can help advance cross-cutting sustainable development problems, with outcomes to be presented at the Rio+20 United Nations Sustainable Development Conference, June 2012.

We will identify best practices and success factors for promoting sustainability innovation in industrialized and developing countries.