EOAR SEMINAR, OCTOBER 2022
How Toilets and Sanitary Pads Came to Save the World: Knowing Inclusive Innovation through Science and the Marketplace
Prof Shobita Parthasarathy (Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan)
There is growing awareness that the innovation economy is perpetuating, if not exacerbating, inequality. Policymakers, philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and technologists have responded with an array of "tech for good" initiatives. This talk examines one of the earliest--inclusive innovation--and its implementation in low and middle income countries, particularly India. Focusing on inclusive innovation in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, I argue that efforts to bring equity and justice to tech will always be partial and unsatisfactory if they do not challenge the market approach to innovation and innovation policy.
When: Wednesday, 26th October 2022, 9-10 AM (ACDT)
Where: Online. Please RSVP to openstemcells@adelaide.edu.au
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Prof Shobita Parthasarathy is a researcher in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Exeter. She is also Director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the comparative and international politics and policy related to science and technology. She is interested in how to develop innovation, and innovation policy, to better achieve public interest and social justice goals.