10,000 Solutions provides an ecosystem for actionable ideas to germinate that positively impact local and global communities.
Arizona State University (ASU) is a New American University, which means the institution measures itself by who it includes, not who it excludes, while committing itself to excellence, access and impact. Within the last few years, ASU launched "The Challenges Before Us" Campaign, highlighting eight broad but essential questions the university aims to solve. These include questions such as:
? How do we educate in a rapidly changing world?
? How do we focus information and technology to produce meaningful change?
? How do we build strong, vibrant communities?
? How do we create a sustainable way of life?
? How do we promote economic opportunity and security?
? How do we lead healthier, more fulfilling lives?
? How do we defend and extend human rights?
? How do we understand the past and present for the sake of the future?
To truly address these questions, ASU recognizes the need for input and support from many individuals; enter, 10,000 Solutions. Based on 60 second or less video uploads and text based actionable ideas, 10,000 Solutions aims to include ASU students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members in working to solve the eight challenge areas in an open innovation environment. By sharing their actionable ideas, entrants have the opportunity to gain feedback and support to move their solution forward.
The platform also allows communities of innovators to connect with one another, no matter their location. Entrants post their ideas based on the challenge area they are addressing so people can connect about topics that ignite them personally or collectively. Users can also comment on solutions to provide feedback. Similarly, groups can "tag" their idea with words or a group with whom they affiliate to further designate and gather their ideas.
Judging also provides an opportunity for feedback and interaction. The community can indicate their support for different ideas, which enables the entrant to move into the next round with their solution. Additional judging rounds will take place to engage a broader community and also continue to provide feedback on ideas. Curators will highlight their favorite entries in the collection and individuals assisting in running 10,000 Solutions can also underscore outstanding solutions. After experiencing the judging process, winners will gain opportunities to move their ideas forward. This includes funding or building relationships that will enhance the likeliness of the success of their solutions. To make their entry a reality, winners can turn to supporters of their actionable idea throughout the lifecycle of 10,000 Solutions.
The uniqueness of 10,000 Solutions rests in the combination of it inclusive nature to seek input from all constituencies while driving to confront key challenge areas, all within a university environment. By providing an arena where individuals can gain feedback but also the opportunity to move their ideas forward, 10,000 Solutions aims to redefine the role a university takes in society to not only educate students and support innovation, but actually empower individuals and groups to discuss and implement change on a greater scale.
