INNOVATION
The micro-electronics and information revolutions, the interplay between technology and sustainability, the global reorganization of production patterns, and uneven economic growth offer opportunities to and impose costs on societies, some of which are better prepared than others to respond.  A better  understanding of these changes and innovative responses to them can help people and societies not only to buffer or adapt but also to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge. CGIRS' projects within this focus also  seek ways to reconcile rapid global change with social justice.

 Projects within this focus include:
  • The Globalizing of South Asia in the 21st Century focuses on the multifaceted consequences flowing from the region’s rapid industrialization, integration into the global economy, and increasing share of the world’s income.  The Indian sub-continent is the site of enormous cultural and intellectual ferment and creativity even as it is mired in ethnic, religious, and political conflict. China and India alone represent about 40 % of the world's population and their rapid economic growth will transform the world economy. At the same time, intra-Asian flows of capital, technology, energy, labor, and culture are transforming all regions of Asia in very new ways and reviving long standing social and cultural networks.  This project will establish an interdisciplinary program focused on South Asia. This project includes (1) ongoing research and conferences into transnational production and innovation practices between India and Silicon Valley; (2) cultural and political relations between regions in India and Indian diasporas abroad; (3) development of a South Asian curriculum at UCSC; and (4) sponsorship of cultural and educational events at UCSC and in the community. 
  • Social Enterprise and Information: A Network Approach to Social Justice is a new curricular and action initiative, based in the Global Information Internship Program (GIIP) and Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (GISES), a new Sociology minor.  The project involves collaborative group research, design and deployment of sustainable, innovative strategies and solutions to meet the needs of the world’s poor and marginalized, monitor the condition of the environment, foster civic participation, and increase diversity in education and access to universities, among other goals  By combining the restless spirit of social enterprise with the creative innovation of information technologies, SEI aspires to strengthen the informational, communication and organizational capacity of global civil society: schools, community organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and non-profits in general, through workshops, conferences, summer institutes, and internship placements.
  • The Global Information Internship Program (GIIP) is an innovative, student-run "digital service learning" program at UCSC, dedicated to creating a new generation of "info activists," committed to advancing social justice, democratizing globalization, and building social entrepreneurship.  Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (GISES) is GIIP’s curricular counterpart.  Both programs encourage students to work in solidarity with local and global communities to overcome the "digital divide" which excludes the world's majority from enjoying the benefits of the information revolution GIIP interns research and undertake internships with local, national and international civil society and community groups. When placements develop successfully, GIIP forms a partnership with the host organization. Partnerships are long-term commitments between GIIP and a host organization in which both partners collaborate in designing an info-strategy for the organization.  GISES’ core courses synthesize project-based analysis with information technologies in order to democratize globalization, deepen social justice, reduce poverty, transition to a sustainable world, and support movements for social equality. Detailed information about GIIP may be found at http://giip.ucsc.edu/.

  • The Green Enterprise Initiative harnesses the research potential and social dynamism of the university community, and to focus it on a green vision for the city of Santa Cruz. By working directly with the business community and local government, it is possible to effectively promote a range of green enterprises, including industry, commerce, services, agriculture and knowledge production.  For more information, see http://www2.ucsc.edu/gei/gei_home.html
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