Democratizing Innovation: A Conversation with Chandani Punia, Deputy Director of Innovation at IRC

Over a decade ago scholars began discussing what it meant to democratize innovation. There is now wide consensus in the innovation ecosystem that practitioners must design with and for the end-user. With this awareness, the sector developed language and methodologies for user-centered design, co-design, and user-led innovation. 

But do these approaches stand up against the systemic barriers to opportunity for marginalized communities and individuals? 

Columbia University's M.S. Nonprofit Management program hosted a conversation and networking opportunity with Chandani Punia, the Deputy Director of Innovation at the International Rescue Committee and one the M.S. Nonprofit Management program's newest lecturers.

Together we will explored the topic of democratization of innovation, unpacked how power and privilege have dominated the innovation ecosystem, and discussed how we can work towards making both the sector and the solution more diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible. 

In Spring '23, Chandani will be teaching a new course: The Practitioner's Guide to Global Innovation.

Democratizing Innovation was open to M.S. Nonprofit Management students, alumni, and faculty and the Columbia University community.

Questions? Contact Lonni [[dot]] Ryan [[at]] Columbia [[dot]] edu.