SPP Partners with Stanford, NYU, and UW on GovTech Conference
Public interest technology (PIT) is an emerging field in which technologists, designers, strategists, researchers, and policy makers leverage digital technologies to create more sustainable and inclusive economic and governance systems. Public interest technologists ask questions like:
- How can digital tools address food insecurity?
- How might communities connect through virtual networks to address policy challenges together?
In 2019 the School of Public Policy (SPP) was named one of the founding members of the Public Interest Technology – University Network (PIT-UN)—a nationwide academic network of more than 40 institutions exploring the intersection of technology, government, and the public interest. This groundbreaking effort sets SPP apart from other prestigious programs by providing a path for life-long learners, entrepreneurs, and public policy advocates to create a better community-based technology marketplace that prioritizes people over profit. As the Network continues to grow, students at every point in life have the chance to build a more robust and healthier future relationship between free societies and the use of technology tools.
Partnering with Stanford University, The University of Washington, and New York University, SPP is happy to support A Better Tech – Public Interest Technology Convention and Career Fair, scheduled for October 14-15. Through hands-on workshops, roundtables, keynotes, fire-presentations, a hackathon, and a virtual career fair, participants will share the latest developments in the PIT field, learn about careers in public interest technology, and connect with professionals working in this area across many different sectors and industries. It is the first convening of its kind in the US, bringing together the country’s most talented students and leading researchers with organizations and companies that are at the forefront of creating responsible and accountable tech that serves the public interest.
This conference and career fair will bring together technologists, educators, researchers, companies, advocacy groups, recruiters, and other professionals working in public interest technology to present their ideas for implementing and adopting emerging technology. This opportunity is free to attend, open to the public, and invites those who envision a new direction for communities to work across disciplines, schools, associations, and networks in the discovery of mission-driven career paths to join.