Leverage the Web for Social and Economic Change
Challenge: The Content Gap. Creation of locally-relevant content on the Web is impeded in many places by the lack of knowledge and technology. Life-critical information and services are in limited supply, especially for those who need help the most.
The Web in Society Program is the Web Foundation’s first step toward filling the “content gap”, the Web Foundation works directly in the field to provide grass roots organizations, governments, NGOs and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, training and tools to share locally-relevant information more effectively. Our initial focus is to support projects that foster social and economic progress in developing countries, and within sectors such as agriculture, health care, education, institutional transparency, women’s issues and other topics of local and global relevance. Enabling content that is accessible using browsers and voice on mobile phones will be key, especially in developing countries where mobiles are the dominant communication device. Anticipated outcomes:
- Projects directly supported by the Foundation will be more effective, thanks to the improved communication, collaboration and creativity.
- New challenges encountered will motivate new work in the Web Science and Standards programs, leading to future Web technologies that better serve people.
- Growth of the Web will be accelerated globally:
- Web Foundation projects will become shining examples that many others emulate,
- Tools and training materials will be available to everyone, openly and for free,
- People trained by the Foundation will have the capacity to independently leverage the Web for future projects.
