Innovation During Crisis
The article was orgingally publsihed on by OXFAM IRAQ +964 on 5 October 2020.
The world is counting on innovations in virology, epidemiology, and other medical fields to deliver a vaccine for the novel Coronavirus and treatment for Covid-19. These breakthroughs are likely to be made in labs from the world’s leading economies. However, there is a critical second tier of issues whose solutions are already emanating from much more diverse contexts. Digital developers are developing and sharing blueprints for the production of PPEs (personal protective equipment) and ventilator parts through 3D printers. App developers from emerging startup hubs are coding applications to facilitate contact tracing, and supporting distance learning.
NGOs in resource-poor settings are trying new methods of sharing information through multi-media channels and new forms of content. While these types of innovation may not lead to a cure for the disease, they are addressing critical problems in its transmission and spread; in addition to the direct implications of this pandemic, the long-term impact on the well-being of individuals remains obscure and will inevitably add another layer of challenge to people’s lives
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is a popular adage and throughout history humans have adapted and innovated to meet their needs; we-invented fire for warmth, cooking and protection; to combat disease and illness we developed cures and to improve our lives we created new technologies.
At this difficult time, innovation will play a critical role to support the resilience of affected communities and help individuals rebuild their lives.
A creative idea requires an enabling environment to allow the innovators to learn, practice and launch their products. Based on the experiences of the Response Innovation Lab (RiL) this environment should support the development of both technical skills needed and the ability of these innovations to reach where it is most needed.
Innovation can save time in responding to this type of pandemic which will save lives as well, furthermore, turn challenges into opportunities to create new jobs and generate alternative sources of income, those factors will allow the affected community to cope and recover from the crisis
