Leah McWilliams's blog

How can the next president—and government in general—use mobile technology to tackle the range of global challenges they will face On Day One? They can start by following the lead of big business.

The business world is beginning to recognize the potential profitability of highlighting the difference it's making in the world using mobile technology. General Electric, for example, has launched a series of commercials that feature remote villages in India and China that are benefiting from some of their new portable technology in a campaign GE calls Healthcare Re-imagined.

Beneficial partnerships are also springing up in the mobile device arena, in which wireless technology is being used to aid NGOs across the world for an entire array of situations—from providing easy access to Health Data Systems to Rapid Response Emergency Telecommunication.

This trend isn’t just happening overseas, but also right in our own back yard. A San Francisco-based NGO recently made headlines for using mobile device and web technology to help educate teens about sex. These are only a few of the many examples of the vast impact of wireless technology.

But the cost for developing and deploying these new technologies is often steep, making them only possible on a fairly small scale. Many projects rely heavily on subsidized technology or even direct donations by technology companies and mobile operators.

That’s where our next president can step in. More attention and investment can identify the social impact of these initiatives while creating commercial incentives for investment by business. Finding win-win solutions for businesses and non-profit organizations is the key to ensuring the positive impact of these initiatives. From helping sponsor more comprehensive research on the benefits of access to wireless technology, to offering special incentives for businesses that work with NGOs in the field, the next Administration should lead by investing in the future mobile technology.