Technology for Social Innovation

Rationale

Technology can be a catalyst for transformation — or a barrier to inclusion. As digital tools increasingly shape economies, services, and governance, it is essential that social innovation both influences and benefits from technological change. Many emerging solutions — from fintech platforms and civic tech tools to AI for social good — remain out of reach for the very communities they aim to serve. This objective seeks to ensure that technology is not just an enabler of eﬃciency, but a driver of equity, participation, and new forms of public value.

Key Insights

Countries like Senegal and Mali are exploring fintech for digital levies and social financing.

Interest is growing in transaction-based and digital tax mechanisms to fund social outcomes.

Infrastructure gaps and digital divides remain a major barrier to adoption, particularly in rural and under-resourced contexts.

There is a need to support the ethical use of AI, promote open-source innovation, and prevent techno-solutionism that ignores social roots.

Stakeholders emphasized the potential for technology to support transparency, access to services, and citizen engagement.

Proposed Actions

1. Create the Social Innovations Solutions bank

GCSI will co-develop a solutions bank in partnership with key social innovation eco-system partners to:

Document socially innovative models by sectors such as innovative low-cost health care or housing models.
Embedding community feedback into the solutions.
Outline innovative financing models using tech, such as Governments testing digital tax and fintech solutions for redistribution

2. Document and Share Case Studies on Digital Innovation

GCSI will identify, curate, and share case studies where technology has enabled:

Innovative social finance (e.g., mobile giving, community credit scoring);
Government service co-design (e.g., participatory budgeting apps);
Accountability mechanisms (e.g., blockchain for welfare delivery);
Civic engagement and data sovereignty.

3. Convene a Global Roundtable on Tech for Social Innovation

This annual event will bring together:

Governments, civic technologists, impact investors, and academia;
A focus on AI for the public good, digital rights, and cross-sector partnerships;
Outcomes feeding into annual GCSI guidance and investment priorities.

4. Support the development of a community led platform

GCSI will convene tech experts, governments, and community leaders to:

Co-create a platform for citizens by citizens to resolve community issues
Leverage tech for education, health, or environmental innovation to resolve the most pressing issues for the most marginalized
Shared infrastructure (e.g., civic data trusts, regional open data platforms).

Expected Outcomes

Development of a community led development platform.

A curated tech case study repository published by Year 2, with 50+ examples across income levels and sectors.

National or city-level tech pilots launched in at least five countries with GCSI support.

Adoption of responsible tech guidelines by 10+ public agencies or innovation hubs.

Improved understanding of the ethical, financial, and operational role of technology in public innovation.

Elevated role of civil society and marginalized voices in digital policy and design.

Summary

Technology is not neutral. Who builds it, who accesses it, and how it is governed matter deeply. This objective positions GCSI to ensure that technology serves public interest, not private consolidation. Through inclusive design, ethical deployment, and global learning, we can shape a digital future that reflects — and enhances — our shared values.

Objective 6: Technology for Social Innovation