We could be on the cusp of a revolution in how solutions are built for the problems in the world. But when it comes to innovation, we need to remember this.
Ken BanksJune 27, 2017
This may be the start of a bolder conversation, where we put into action projects and programs that put the needs of those we seek to help before ourselves.
Ken BanksMarch 21, 2017
2016 felt like a particularly bad year between wars, insurgencies, terrorist attacks, political crises, financial crashes, and natural disasters contributing to that impact. Asking yourself what kind of a dent you’re making, given everything that’s working against you, seems a totally natural and reasonable question to ask.
Ken BanksJanuary 10, 2017
What leads to more useful developmental solutions: Innovation in a controlled environment, or ideas accidentally created by people scratching their own itch?
Ken BanksDecember 12, 2016
How many potentially great products have died prematurely because they weren’t given the time? Or because they were rushed? Maybe it's time to slow down.
Ken BanksNovember 30, 2016
How did we ever get to the point where an American solving an African problem is par for the course, yet an African taking on an American problem isn’t?
Ken BanksOctober 12, 2016
We should only allow ourselves the luxury of looking to the future once we have fixed the solvable problems of the present with technologies we possess.
Ken BanksAugust 18, 2016
Here is a 6-point plan to prevent technology for development from becoming a sector full of replication, failed pilots, secrecy and near-zero collaboration.
Ken BanksJune 15, 2016
Ken Banks had no idea how to help solve some huge, complex problems out there. But lack of certainty and answers turned out to be a great starting point.
Ken BanksMay 5, 2016
With a world population almost three times what is sustainable, in honor of Earth Day, it’s time to get serious about managing an imbalanced planet.
Ken BanksApril 22, 2016
Entrepreneurship is messy. We need to do a better job of making sure more people get the whole story—the good and the bad. This book is an insider's look.
Ken BanksFebruary 22, 2016
What if we channeled more development funds to the middle and bottom, and let local market forces and entrepreneurialism take over? It's time to find out.
Ken BanksJanuary 29, 2016
Most of us won't change the world in a huge way. But, we can all do something. Here are four actionable steps to take to start leaving a positive dent.
Ken BanksNovember 20, 2015
“On 29th August 1965, an article was published in The Observer entitled 'How to help…
Ken BanksSeptember 18, 2015
What does the development professional of today think it takes to be a professional development worker tomorrow? Devex recently conducted a survey of development professionals to see what tools, skills and approaches they think the next generation of development professionals will need to thrive ten years from now. Last week they published a report of these findings, and it’s enlightening.
Ken BanksAugust 3, 2015
Global development has made it its life work to identify and solve other people's problems, but it should focus on itself and fix its own system.
Ken BanksJune 12, 2015
Back in 2009 I carried out something of an experiment. Erik Hersman and I attended…
Ken BanksApril 15, 2015