Community Tech
Our approach
Community tech is is a vital part of the modern technology ecosystem.
Innovation is not only something that happens at start-ups and in labs. It also happens in skate parks and community radio stations, in community energy companies and social care collectives, in community pubs and libraries.
While a small number of very large companies might seem to dominate the digital landscape, the reality is that the Internet is full of alternatives and possibilities — of people making and sharing things for collective benefit.
For the latest news on Community Tech, visit our dedicated website, where we have a dedicated events page
The programme
Over the last year we have met with and spoken to people from UK community organisations who are making and using technologies that generate benefit for and give power to communities. Working alongside Power to Change and Cassie Robinson, we have discovered what these organisations have in common, the challenges they face, and the larger societal benefits that their approaches unlock.
Read our latest report Tech for Today - and for Tomorrow, which sets out the vital role communities organisations play in enabling technology roll-out so that innovation can work for everyone across Britain.
Through developing this three year programme we are setting out our shared vision for the potential of technology developed by and for community organisations. We are exploring alternatives for creating hardware and software for collective benefit.
In the words of Carolyn Hassan, CEO of Knowle West Media Centre, community tech is technology that helps “value to stick to a place”.
The Fund
We’re just getting started
The programme of activity was introduced in autumn 2022, including the launch of a £400,000 fund, Community Tech: Makers and Maintainers on 6 October and a Connected People and Places report, featuring contributions from a number of international technical and social innovators.
Read our first report: The Case for Community Tech | Look up our first multi-authored publication: Connected People and Places | Sign-up for our Community Tech mailing list for more details about the fund.
We’re always looking for partners, collaborators, and interesting people. Get in touch if you’d like to work together.