Hackathons Won't Fix Social Problems Alone
Source: hbr.org
- Hackathons produce flashy apps but ignore deep data challenges like cleaning and context.
- Social change needs rigorous data science, not just coding marathons with pizza.
- Foundations waste money on hacks without building lasting data infrastructure.
Nonprofits and foundations drown in data but lack the skills to use it for real impact. They chase trendy hackathons hoping coders will solve everything overnight. This shortcuts real progress on messy social issues like poverty or health.