Technology & innovation
CDAC Network’s approach to innovation is centred on building a more inclusive future that involves crisis-affected people in the design and delivery of supportive services and systems that enable them to gain greater control over their lives.
We seek to tip the balance of power in the aid sector and create supportive environments for disaster-affected people to access and participate in technology and innovation funds and programmes.
Innovation doesn’t necessarily mean technology: we have pioneered and supported broader innovative models for systems change and promoting locally led humanitarian action, such as the Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme and our network of National Platforms.
Strategic focus: responsibly leveraging CCEA digital technologies
In 2022–2027, while continuing to promote broad-based innovation, we are also focusing on ways the sector can responsibly leverage digital technologies for better CCEA. This includes shifting the emphasis from technology driving humanitarian innovation to a bottom-up approach, where the needs, ideas and preferences of communities trigger technological solutions.
CDAC members have access to Communities of Practice on harmful information and artificial intelligence. To learn more, contact info@cdacnetwork.org
About DEPP
The Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme (DEPP) was co-led by CDAC Network and Start Network in 2014–2018, funded by UK Aid. The ‘innovation window’ of the project set up four innovation labs among underserved communities at risk of recurrent and protracted crises such as drought, typhoon, flooding and conflict.
The labs followed a user-centred design approach to support local, scalable solutions to protect communities living in disaster-prone environments and advance innovation in the sector by involving people in crisis at all stages of the process.