Fostering innovation and intercultural exchange during a global pandemic: Lessons learned from a virtual design thinking challenge in Nepal

Abstract

Countries in the majority world are widely argued to be most severely affected by the corona pandemic. To fight the outbreak of the virus and reduce risks of economic hardships and starvation these countries need an ability to innovate and quickly develop feasible solutions in areas such as health, education, and business. In response to this crisis, the Impact Week (IW), a global non-profit organization run by a community of professional volunteers, developed a 3-day virtual format to quickly develop and test solutions using human-centric innovation techniques. Based on a case study approach we present the format, lessons learned and impact of a pioneer project conducted to support people in Nepal called Nepal-vs-COVID-19 with 54 students and 21 professionals. Despite severe technical problems like connectivity and power cuts, overall the concept proved to be highly effective. More specifically, the quality of solutions generated during this virtual event was perceived to be even higher than in previous physical events. For participants, the event created an opportunity to learn digital skills and to connect with others in a meaningful and productive way, despite global lockdown. The virtual Design Thinking (DT) challenge subsequently sparked events in a number of other countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Germany, India, and South Africa). Our study adds to the sustainability literature by presenting a format that is flexible, scalable, cost efficient, environmentally friendly and can easily be applied in contexts of crisis management, business and education. Furthermore, it provides a concrete example of successful collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond differences and national boundaries and thereby constitutes a blueprint to tackle future global challenges.