Public Interest Technology (PIT)
What is Public Interest Technology?
Public Interest Technology (PIT) is an emerging field focusing on educating engineers, designers, computer and data scientists, and others to work in service of the public good.
Public interest technologists apply their technical knowledge and understanding of its social and political implications to promote the general public.
"Public interest technology refers to the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest/generate public benefits/promote the public good."
PIT-UN
Olin is a founding member of the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN), a major initiative led by New America, the Ford Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation.
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"The Public Interest Technology University Network is a partnership that fosters collaboration between universities and colleges committed to building the nascent field of public interest technology and growing a new generation of civic-minded technologists. Through the development of curricula, research agendas, and experiential learning programs in the public interest technology space, these universities are trying innovative tactics to produce graduates with multiple fluencies at the intersection of technology and policy. By joining PIT-UN, members commit to field building on campus."
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-New America