This article from Bates Wells' Caroline Morris, Olivia Hyland and Laura Hobbs, explores how charities are using new forms of technology, and the challenges and opportunities that are presented as a result.
At our recent Innovate for Impact: Empowering Charities Through Technology event, panellists discussed how charities are using technology in practice to improve services, better understand the needs of their communities and support their wider objectives. The discussion explored both the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies, with speakers drawing on their own experiences of what has worked well, and what has not, when introducing new technologies within their organisations.
Several key themes emerged, including the importance of high-quality data, collaboration, and the need to ensure technology is being used to address real-world challenges.
The importance of data
The panellists emphasised the importance of high-quality data, from data collection and analysis to the sharing of information, in gaining deeper insights into the challenges they are seeking to address. Discussions focused on how organisations can use data more effectively to understand the issues they are seeking to address and make better-informed decisions. Panellists also reflected on its importance across a range of areas, from improving service delivery and informing strategic planning to influencing policy, securing funding and increasing overall impact.
Technology as a tool to collaborate
The panellists highlighted the need for organisations to work more closely together and share information more effectively to maximise their collective impact. While the panellists recognised the opportunities offered by new technologies, they noted that one of the greatest benefits is the ability to share information and data more easily and connect with potential partners. The discussion also highlighted the practical benefits of collaboration, including sharing knowledge and data, learning from one another, building strong partnerships, avoiding duplication of effort and bringing together different skills and expertise.
Start with the problem, not the technology
As technology continues to evolve, panellists noted the temptation to start with a technological solution rather than the problem itself. However, adopting this approach risks applying technological solutions to problems that do not genuinely exist. With that in mind, the challenge for charities may not simply be keeping up with technological change, but to ensuring that their use of technology remains focused on solving real-world problems and creating meaning impact on communities they serve.
Key takeaways
The panellists highlighted several practical lessons for charities looking to embrace technology:
- Start with the problem, not the technological solution.
- Invest in high-quality data and evidence.
- Build partnerships that bring together complementary skills and expertise.
- Engage users and stakeholders throughout the process.
- Use technology to strengthen, rather than replace, human decision-making.
- Focus on scalable solutions that can increase impact over time.
You can read more takeaways from Bates Wells' 'Innovate for Impact' panel sessions at the links below: