Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Changing Lives Through Mobile – Innovation in Emerging Markets


On February 25, 2014, I had the opportunity to speak about:  “Changing Lives Through Mobile – Innovation in Emerging Markets” at the Centre for Contemporary Culture in Barcelona.  
Currently the average internet gap in developing counties is 23%, and Intel estimates that if we get an additional 600 million women online – global GDP would increase by $18B.  Beyond the obvious economic impact, it is really the improved standard of living for individual people that matters the most. 
So as we look to the future, it is important to think of how innovative mobile services can both build markets and change lives.  Through programs like “Intel Teach” we have trained more than 500,000 teachers in Africa; and “She Will Connect” is closing the technology divide for millions. Bringing a smartphone to Africa was an immense learning experience to see how users responded when a product is designed w their pain points in mind!