TECH FOR SOCIETY. Technology, Innovation and Social Change
Conference
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March 8, 2013
Aula Magna - Politecnico di Milano, Campus Leonardo
Event promoted by
Polisocial
The Social Responsibility Programme@ Politecnico di Milano
On the occasion of 150th anniversary of Politecnico di Milano, 50 students will gather to reflect collectively on the role of technology as a vital contributor to people’s opportunities to enhance their quality of life, with a focus of attention on world’s underprivileged. Presentations and debates will be aimed at simultaneously
exploring and articulating the social, political, economic and environmental aspects of technological innovation and inventiveness in the transition from poverty to prosperity. Technology plays a fundamental role in shaping the human condition, and is key to socio-economic development. Not surprisingly, technological research and innovation, and their many interconnections with environment and society, are more and more essential in both social development practice and theory. Technology can potentially hold a topical role in supporting the path out of poverty for the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. At the same time, the need to critically examine the ways in which technical advances may or may not contribute to orchestrating and balancing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of inclusive development is nowadays worldwide recognized. Available
technology options and technological development paradigms need to be continuously questioned and reformulated according to their relevance to both multi-scalar political and geographical dynamics, and the layered societal processes that are at play at the local level.
For these number of critical challenges, innovative technological solutions need to be grounded in a comprehensive, socially responsive approach which takes into account a variety of aspects related not only to technological development per se, but also to the larger geo-political frameworks, financing and investment processes, and social and environmental impacts.
The one-day event will initiate a cooperation platform for an open and long-term discussion among students – challenging them to identify, articulate and convey their opinions on topics which are strictly interlocked with the shaping of their present competences and future professional growth. Participating students will be invited to formulate their critical visions about the possible impact of and linkages between technology and environment, economy, and human well-being.
Contacts
POLISOCIAL
Politecnico di Milano and Fondazione Politecnico di Milano
Reference person:
Paola Esena
tel. 02 2399 9161
e-mail: 
paola.esena@fondazione.polimi.it