Technology in Service of People

Across Europe, awareness is growing that technology is not only an economic engine but also a moral choice. More and more cities, universities, companies and civil society organizations are exploring ways to use technology for the well-being of people, animals and nature. This development is often summarized in one concept: solidarity technology. Solidarity technology means that technological innovation is not driven solely by profit, speed or efficiency, but also by connection, justice and human dignity. Technology becomes a tool to address social problems, strengthen democracy and bring people closer together. In several European countries initiatives are emerging that show this approach is not only idealistic but also practical and effective. At a time when technological development is often dominated by large commercial interests, a new awareness is emerging that innovation is also a public responsibility.

Barcelona as a Laboratory

A striking example can be found in the city of Barcelona. There, social robots are being tested to support elderly people who live alone. These robots help with medication reminders, connect users with caregivers and sometimes provide simple companionship. The project demonstrates how digital technology can contribute to a society in which people can live independently for longer without falling into isolation. What makes this initiative remarkable is that technology is not presented as a replacement for human care but as a reinforcement of it. The robot does not take over the human role; instead it expands the possibilities for families, caregivers and social networks. Technology thus becomes a tool that strengthens solidarity. In an aging Europe, where the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly and pressure on healthcare systems continues to grow, such technology can make an important contribution to humane and sustainable care.

Innovation and Solidarity in Italy

In Italy inspiring examples of solidarity technology are also emerging. In the city of Rome the annual Maker Faire Rome has become a meeting place for thousands of makers, students, designers and researchers who develop technology with a strong social purpose. Many of these initiatives build on the open-source platform Arduino, co-created by the Italian engineer Massimo Banzi. Arduino is a programmable electronics platform used worldwide by students, inventors and social projects. Because the system is open and affordable, schools, small organizations and young innovators can easily use it. This openness creates a democratic form of technological innovation in which knowledge is shared rather than restricted. Every year Maker Faire Rome presents projects that use technology to support people with disabilities, improve energy efficiency, strengthen local food production or give young people access to technical education. These initiatives show that technological progress does not have to come only from large corporations but can also grow from communities that collaborate and share knowledge.

Denmark and the Digital Welfare State

Another remarkable example can be found in Denmark. The Danish welfare state has become internationally known for its use of digital technology to strengthen public services. In cities such as Copenhagen digital healthcare platforms and welfare technologies help citizens manage appointments, communicate with doctors and access public services online. Telemedicine allows patients to consult healthcare professionals from home while assistive technologies support elderly citizens who want to continue living independently. The Danish approach is based on trust between citizens and institutions. Digital systems are designed to simplify daily life rather than complicate it. Technology therefore becomes a bridge between citizens and public institutions. The Danish experience shows that when digital innovation is combined with strong public values, technology can improve efficiency while also strengthening social cohesion. In this way Denmark demonstrates how solidarity and technology can reinforce one another within a modern welfare state.

The Role of the DeSolidariteit Foundation

In the Netherlands attention for this development is also increasing. The Stichting DeSolidariteit plays an active role in raising awareness that technology is not only a technical matter but also a social and cultural choice. Through projects, publications, debates and international cooperation DeSolidariteit demonstrates that solidarity and technology can reinforce one another. The foundation emphasizes that technological progress only gains real meaning when it is connected to human values. For this reason DeSolidariteit brings together people from different worlds: scientists, entrepreneurs, young innovators, artists, policymakers and civil society organizations. In these encounters a new perspective on technology emerges. Technology is not treated as a goal in itself but as an instrument for a dignified life.

Solidarity Pays Off

Across Europe initiatives continue to appear that confirm this idea. Digital platforms enable citizen participation, care technology helps vulnerable groups live independently and open-source projects stimulate collaboration between researchers, designers and citizens. What these initiatives share is the understanding that technology is not neutral. It can increase inequality but it can also become a powerful instrument of solidarity. The movement around solidarity technology is still young but it is growing quickly. More policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists and young people recognize that the future of technology will not only be determined by what is technically possible but also by the values we embed in it. For DeSolidariteit this is a crucial starting point. Technology will play an ever greater role in our lives in the coming decades. Precisely for that reason it must be connected to human values such as responsibility, justice and care for one another. When technology and solidarity reinforce each other progress is no longer measured only in speed or profit but in quality of life. This is the core message DeSolidariteit wants to share. Solidarity pays off. It pays off for people who feel supported by their community, for organizations that discover cooperation creates more value than competition and for societies that understand that real progress is only possible when everyone can participate.

Read More

Readers who wish to explore these ideas further can read the book Solidaire Technologie, written by Bert Breij and Paul Jansen. The book examines in depth how technological innovation can strengthen solidarity between people, societies and the natural world. It presents international examples, philosophical reflections and practical proposals for governments, companies and citizens. The book is available as an EPUB edition in both Dutch and American English and can be ordered through Bol.com. The Dutch-language edition is also available in print and can be obtained through bookstores in the Netherlands and Flanders, as well as through the online book trade.