By Adinda Ayu Sari, Student in the M.S. in Technology Management program
The Columbia University School of Professional Studies hosted a virtual roundtable titled “How Technology Fuels Social Innovation” as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). Cohosted by the M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) and M.S. in Technology Management (TMGT) programs, the event featured dynamic discussions on how technology is reshaping social innovation to address global challenges.
Alexis Wichowski, a professor of professional practice in the TMGT program, prefaced the session by highlighting entrepreneurship’s transformative power and the need for thoughtful, responsible leaders who can leverage technological tools to create positive change. In her words: “Entrepreneurship is a force for empowerment.”
Following Wichowski, Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., professor of practice and director of the NOPM program, emphasized mission-driven entrepreneurship for equitable opportunities. Smikle spoke about how nonprofits have persevered in the modern information age, noting that, despite the American public’s widespread distrust in national news media, the public still shows unwavering trust in nonprofits to be engaged with and supportive of the communities they serve. “There is no better time for the nonprofit sector to engage in technology and be able to cut through some of the misinformation that we see online,” Smikle remarked.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
The panel was moderated by Dr. Erwin de Leon, chief diversity officer and lecturer in the NOPM program, and included Brighton Kaoma, cofounder of Amano So; Nivine Hachem, cofounder of Paltic; and Katja Schroeder, senior lecturer in the TMGT program. Together, they shared insights into redefining social innovation and leveraging technology as a tool for change.
1. Social Innovation Starts with People
For Hachem, social innovation is about transforming how communities perceive and use resources. Through Paltic, she turns plastic waste into valuable products, fostering sustainability. “We need to prove our capability to create meaningful change by empowering communities,” she said.
Kaoma framed social innovation as tackling global challenges. “Technology is important, but it’s people––their stories and needs––that must drive meaningful solutions,” he said, advocating for empathy in addressing societal challenges.
Drawing on the United Nations’ framework for social entrepreneurship, Schroeder underscored the need to align business practices with a social mission to foster systemic change and reinforced the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, governments, corporations, and communities in scaling impact.
2. Technology as an Enabler
While advanced technologies like AI capture attention, Hachem highlighted that even simpler tools can create a significant impact. “Paltic relies on machines, not cutting-edge technology, to streamline processes, but human touch still remains vital,” she explained.
Kaoma emphasized the ability of data to identify urgent needs and ensure that technology supports, rather than overshadows, human-driven solutions.
3. Overcoming Barriers
The speakers acknowledged challenges, including a $4 billion global funding gap for the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. Hachem also highlighted the specific hurdles faced by women-led start-ups, calling for increased opportunities to scale grassroots innovations.
4. A Vision for 2025
Bridging the digital divide and democratizing access to essential services like payment systems and those related to food security were also discussed. “Governments and regulators must take action to amplify the impact of social innovation,” Kaoma urged, stressing the importance of partnerships and collaboration across sectors.
A Call to Action
As technology continues to evolve, it must serve as a catalyst for innovation, streamlining processes, providing access to resources, and enhancing impact. However, speakers stressed that human touch must remain at the heart of these efforts. Social innovators must continue to build solutions grounded in empathy and collaboration to ensure that technological advancements truly empower the communities they aim to serve.
About the Nonprofit Management Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, health care, and the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
The fall 2025 application deadline for the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program is June 1. Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on campus, and online.
About the Technology Management Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Technology Management is a hands-on technology leadership development program designed to train professionals for equal fluency in tech fundamentals, business operations, and ethical leadership.
The fall 2025 application deadline for the Technology Management program is June 1. The program is available for part-time or full-time enrollment. Learn more about the program here.
