list various ways in which it is helpful in the government and Public Service
Answers
Rihet explains that France is utilizing startups by assigning teams to create solutions when a public agent identifies a problem. Then the solutions go live nationally. This approach allows computer scientists and other technology professionals to jump in and meet needs as they arise in their communities.
Sites like DataKind, Taproot and Code Alliance can be excellent resources for computer scientists who want to put their skills to work for global issues, according to Rihet. These platforms allow a wide array of tech professionals to create, support and execute projects that change lives.
There are also indirect benefits from the tools computer scientists build, Rihet points out. Consider charities that are now able to streamline their donations, or crowdfunded campaigns that can gather a following and financial backing.
2. Empowering people who are often overlooked
“An amazing benefit of software is that it can be freely distributed to everyone, thanks to open-source contributors,” Rihet says. “This fact truly empowers people.” When tools to build revenue and solve business problems are available to everyone—it can level the playing field.
For example, finding clients can be an expensive endeavor. If you are a service provider coming to your business without a ton of extra cash, it can be hard to stay afloat. Samantha Hugo, CEO of Hugomatica, says computer science can make a huge difference here.
“For example, beauticians often do not determine their own work hours or find their own clients because they don't know how.” Seeing this need, Hugo’s company created an app that allows beauticians to recruit their own clients and set their own schedules. “As a women-owned company, we try to find apps that are needed and that will help people in areas that have been overlooked by most coders.”
3. Paving the way for a more equitable world
Computer science can really help level the playing field in terms of inexpensive solutions. But Hugo also points out that it can be an equalizer in other ways. Though technology as an industry has an under representation of women and racial minorities, Hugo sees computer science as a tool for societal rebalance when it comes to gender identity, background, ethnicity and beyond. Code is code—and if you’ve created something genuinely useful, your background isn’t going to hold you back.
“The App Store has the same requirements for all developers,” she points out. Hugo says it is a positive step for society that computers are blind to everything but the code.
4. Accelerating healthcare progress
5. Furthering education
6. Expanding communication
7. Predicting and avoiding catastrophes
8. Positively impacting every area of society