Sharing While Caring: How the Sharing Economy, Crowdfunding, and Crowdsourcing are Supporting the Global Goals

By Annie Rosenthal as part of the 2018 +SocialGood series on emerging technologies

Some of us picked up on the importance of sharing faster than others, but whether it was on the playground in kindergarten or in the boardroom at work, nearly everyone has had the realization that sharing resources and expertise can deliver better outcomes. Emerging technology has expanded this human capability, enabling people across the world to share resources, knowledge, and funds like never before.

The sharing economy, crowdfunding, and crowdsourcing applications utilize this new technology to reduce consumption, fund development projects, and collect and disseminate vital information. While there is still debate on the overall effects of some of these newer phenomena, many current projects are helping address issues vital to the success of the Sustainable Development Goals. Continue reading to learn how!

Responsible Consumption, Production, and the Sharing Economy

The World Economic Forum describes the sharing economy as “the sharing of idle assets, usually via tech platforms, in ways that produce economic, environmental, social and practical benefits.” While the term “sharing economy” may not ring a bell, many of the companies leading the charge of this new economic tread will sound familiar. Companies like Airbnb, Uber, RentTheRunway, and Citi Bikes are utilizing technology to allow people to share resources like cars, homes, clothes, and more.

While there are many potential downsides, including a lack of inclusivity, these platforms also help address important issues around sustainability and access to infrastructure. For example, Global Goal 12 addresses responsible production and consumption. The Sharing Economy challenges the notion that individuals need to buy their own products and argues that they can, instead, share them. This mentality reduces unnecessary production and cuts back on wasted resources.

• Refugees Welcome uses the Sharing Economy to secure housing for refugees throughout Europe
• Governments embrace the Sharing Economy to protect the environment, grow their economies, and promote social cohesion
• UNDP China discusses the connection between the Sharing Economy and the Global Goals

Crowdfunding Development

Unlike the Sharing Economy, which focuses on sharing infrastructure and consumer items, crowdfunding platforms are built around the collection and distribution of one particular resource: money. Crowdfunding campaigns ask people to share their money to support a specific goal or cause. Sometimes these goals are personal and ask for support for medical care, education resources, or start-up funds for a business. Other times, organizations use crowdfunding on a large scale — such as for refugee assistance.

• The World Food Programme’s ShareTheMeal app asks individuals to donate small amounts to the big fight against hunger
• UNDP shares a “how to” on crowdfunding for development
• UNHCR partnered with Kickstarter, Airbnb, and Instacart to raise over $1 million for refugees

Crowdsourcing for Smarter, Faster, and more Inclusive Response

Technology allows for easier, faster, and more inclusive ways of distributing information. The collective mobilization of people’s shared data is called “crowdsourcing.”

Thanks to low barriers to entry and easy access, crowdsourcing allows for more people to have their insights included in the development of programs. Crowdsourced information is often received faster than conventional data, allowing for more timely adjustments to realities on the ground. The United Nations and other development programs are creating platforms for aggregating crowdsourced information and applying that knowledge toward the implementation of more effective and efficient programs.

• The UN’s crowdsourcing platform SpigitEngage crowdsources problems and solutions for refugees
• Dalili is an app that gives Syrian and Lebanese families up-to-date information on prices at stores where they can redeem World Food Programme assistance
• UNICEF launched an open-source software platform to help governments deliver infomation and connect communities with services

Join +SocialGood throughout October as we explore the many ways these technological tools are being used to progress the Global Goals. Share your thoughts, solutions, and ideas with #SocialGoodTech!

Stay-tuned for our #SocialGoodTech Twitter chat on the sharing economy, crowdsourcing, and crowdfunding! More information to come soon.