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ANDE Moves From Analysis to Action
While it still represents "pocket change" compared to the heavy hitters of private equity and microfinance institutional lending, the small and growing business investment sector is growing. This was the prevailing view from the annual Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Conference 2011, the organization’s third such summit.
- Categories
- Investing
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Social Entrepreneurship Coming Full Circle, at Columbia’s Social Enterprise Conference
This year’s Columbia Social Enterprise Conference, on the topic of "Social Innovation in a Networked WorId," left me almost certain that the social entrepreneurship movement is currently witnessing such a full circle moment on several fronts, most notably, when it comes to our collective understanding of what a "networked world" means.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise
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Technology Plus Humanity – An Equation for Social Collaboration
At the 2011 Columbia Social Enterprise Conference panel last week, 3 social enterprise managers pondered technology’s role in the social sector today and how it advances philanthropy. A theme throughout the panel was the importance of incorporating the human experience into the technology, a potential key to unlocking a surge in donor activity.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise, Technology
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Launching a New Series: The Global Spread of Affordable Housing
Urban slums are the fastest-growing human habitat. By 2030, their populations will triple to over 3 billion people. Is the ideal of affordable housing for the masses a Utopian pipe dream? Or is it fertile ground to build houses, build markets, build income and build better futures for a billion people? Join us as we explore the potential answers.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Tags
- housing
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Aakash: Game Changer or Another Brick in the Wall?
"Aakash," touted to be the world’s cheapest tablet, was launched by the Indian government last week and distributed via pilot program to 500, rual primary school students across India. With the considerable buzz surrounding the $35 device, will the BoP market truly have something to cheer for?
- Categories
- Technology
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NextThought Monday: New Modes of Mobility for the Poor
Disabilities perpetuate a poverty trap and push the poor further from access to education, employment and healthcare. Most policies, programs and entrepreneurial initiatives in India have focused on providing employment. Little attention has been paid to helping the disabled - in particular, the poor - become more mobile themselves.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment, Transportation
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- transportation
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Friday Roundup – 10/07/11 The Next Steve Jobs …
As the plane landed upon my return from the ANDE Conference, I fired up my iPhone to read a news alert: ?Apple Announces Steve Jobs Has Died.? I flashed back to my old Apple IIe. Who would be the next iconic innovator to bring the power once held up on high to the people? Would their cause be bringing affordable technology to the poor?
- Categories
- Technology
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Addressing Dynamic Public Health Concerns: LifeStraw and Beyond
UNICEF and the WHO estimate that approximately 1.5 million children die every year from diarrheal diseases. While these statistics are striking and cause for concern, knowledge and experience about treating diarrheal disease is one advantage we have when addressing this public health concern.
- Categories
- Health Care
- Tags
- product design









