With support from the National Science Foundation, MetroLab Network and Smart Cities Lab are designing a research and action competition in the smart and connected communities domain.
The Civic Innovation Challenge will launch in 2019, with anticipated support from NSF and other stakeholders.
The Civic Innovation Challenge aims to leverage social science, data, and technology to address complex community challenges, enhance job growth and economic competitiveness, and address equity in our communities.
There will be ways to participate this year!
Through our Ideas Competition, we’ll be asking for your input in scoping the Challenge.
We are setting out to change the way that research impacts people and communities…
…by asking cities and communities to lead the scoping process for how research will advance their priorities.
…by testing technology, data analytics and innovative social science in cities and communities.
…by connecting government, philanthropy and industry partners to drive progress.
Ideas Competition
The first phase of the Civic Innovation Challenge is the launch of our Ideas Competition, which will ask you — researchers, government employees, non-profits, residents — to identify challenges and priorities in your cities and communities that can benefit from technical exploration, scientific discovery, and new approaches.
If you are interested, please submit your email and we will follow up with additional information on ways to participate. And check back periodically, as we’ll be updating the website with more information soon!
The Civic Innovation Challenge would provide a unique opportunity for communities to curate a research process specifically targeted toward their most pressing needs. We are excited to support MetroLab and Smart Cities Lab to scope this effort, which would cultivate creative discovery and civic innovation.