What is public interest technology? An expert on data and policy explains how it helps people in need
Every year, millions of people who qualify for food assistance never get it. The money exists and they meet the eligibility rules, but they don't know that the program exists or whether they qualify. For others, the application is too long and complicated.
Public interest technology combines a variety of fields such as technology, data, design, policy, ethics and law to enhance people's lives and promote the common good. This approach has successfully prevented children from being poisoned by lead paint, helped families avoid eviction, and supported recovery efforts following disasters like the Los Angeles fires.
The process begins with identifying a problem and asking two key questions: What system is failing the people it is intended to help? How can it be improved? To address the issue, a team with diverse expertise is assembled, including caseworkers, community members, data scientists, designers, engineers, and policy experts. Together, they collaborate on the technology, iteratively develop and test the solution, evaluate its impact, and ensure it is equitable and effective.
For example, Chicago utilized a data-driven system to identify high-risk housing units with lead paint, allowing the health department to conduct preventive inspections before children were exposed. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, a machine learning system targets residents most at risk of eviction, enabling the county to allocate resources more efficiently.
Similarly, Johnson County, Kansas, integrated its jail, emergency medical, and mental health services to identify individuals at risk of falling back into incarceration, connecting them with appropriate support services.
Cities are increasingly adopting public interest technology solutions in-house. New York has established the Public Interest Technology Crew, embedding technology specialists within government agencies to address resident concerns. Initiatives such as the U.S. Digital Corps, Coding it Forward, and Data Science for Social Good, of which I am a co-founder, foster partnerships between technology experts and employees in government and non-profit organizations.
Additionally, universities are integrating public interest technology into their curricula, largely due to the Public Interest Technology University Network, a coalition of universities, cities, and foundations.
The essence of public interest technology lies in the choices made regarding its development, success metrics, and accountability. When executed properly, these choices ensure that individuals who qualify for assistance, such as food aid, do not have to wait for the support they need, improving lives and fostering equity.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
