What is an Innovation and Capacity Building Center?
Innovation and Capacity Building Centers (ICBCs) represent Athgo’s next phase of development. They are cross academic and professional platforms leading to social entrepreneurship. Each Center will focus on an aspect of global economic development and will be strategically located worldwide. ICBCs will house approximately 30 fulltime Fellows with supporting staff and all within the 18-32 year old age group. The Centers will employ ideas and projects developed and managed exclusively by young talent.

Every ICBC will provide students and young leaders with the critical research and entrepreneurial skills, resources and practical platform to actively participate in the planning and design of solutions that address some of the most pressing issues from across the globe. ICBC Fellows will integrate theoretically sound findings with existing knowledge in international problem solving. The training will also include developing critical thinking skills, providing hands on experience, and combining “outside the box” thinking with today’s business development principles. In addition, the Fellows will be introduced and commissioned to work with various governments, international institutions and many of the global corporate leaders.

What do the ICBCs hope to accomplish?

• Build human capacity: Provide research and business development training, as well as education in strategic thinking and advantages in launching social ventures
  
  
• Promote social entrepreneurship: Offer educational opportunities and resources needed to move social ventures from the concept phase into realization
  
  
• Encourage Innovation: Provide a results-driven environment that stimulates new ideas and generates inventive business models
  
  
• Serve as a bridge between advanced and emerging economies: Find the most cost-effective and efficient methods to facilitate technology transfers and modernization
  
  

In general, what topics will the ICBCs cover and what are their overall objectives?

• ICT: Human capacity building for emerging economies by focusing on the potential role of ICT vis-à-vis economic development. Athgo will focus on developing links between formal education and enterprise development, while adjusting academic curricula to meet the demands of technology sector.
  
  
• Environment and Energy (E²): Environmental sustainability, conservation, preservation and innovative technology in the energy sector. Additionally, reducing the environmental footprint of economic growth both in developed and emerging societies. We believe that it is every person's responsibility to reduce and reverse environmental degradation. By defining the international standards we strive to promote alternative energy sources.
  

How do you determine the projects that each ICBC will undertake?
We start with our Global Forums! All of our events conclude with groups proposed and individually designed innovative business ventures. So our ICBCs are really an opportunity to take ideas developed at our events to fruition. We also generate ideas within the organization and accept proposals from those outside of Athgo. We will consider any proposal that falls within the mandate of the particular ICBC.

Where will the ICBCs be located and when will they be open?
ICTs and High Tech: Yerevan, Armenia (early 2009)
Environment and Energy (E²): Los Angeles (summer 2010)

Will the ICBCs really be run exclusively by young people?
Yes, all Fellows will be between the ages of 18-32.

This sounds a little too Lord of the Flies, no one over 32 will be involved?
OK, the position of Executive Director requires substantial management experience. And all ICBCs will have a dedicated Advisory Council, who will work with the Executive Director to provide limited oversight, guidance and direction. And finally, approximately once a month outside experts will be invited to work with our Fellows for a week-long training and exchange programs.

So our Executive Director, outside experts, and Advisory Council members more likely than not, are probably outside of the 18-32 age range - but they will be young at heart! And most importantly, they all recognize the unique perspectives and potential that all our Fellows bring to the table.

Who can apply and how do you select the Scholars?
Anyone between the ages of 18-32 is welcome to apply for a research position at an ICBC. However, please note that members of Athgo’s Alumni Network will receive priority consideration. Why? First, they are already a known quantity to us and have demonstrated a commitment to our mission, having participated in at least one of our programs already (Global Forums, internships, or Associates program). But more importantly, we believe in developing our people and laying the framework for strong relationships and lasting networks. We consider everyone affiliated with Athgo as a member of our family.

What kind of training will be provided to ICBC Fellows?
A key component of each ICBC is the Methodic training program. Athgo has developed a 4-week program that covers everything from methodological research to project management, business development, and critical thinking skills. Additional training will be provided as applicable with onsite experts. The experts will hail from the public and private sectors as well as international institutions and civil society.

How many Fellows will work at an ICBC?
That depends on the ICBC - we anticipate anywhere from 10 to 20 Fellows working full time at each ICBC at any given time. In addition to the above mentioned Executive Director, each ICBC will have Managing Fellows, Senior Fellows, Independent Researchers, and Topic Specialists.

How long will Fellows work at an ICBC?
Most Fellows will participate in a 6-month rotation, which commences with Athgo’s 4-week Methodic training program and ends with each fellow guiding and preparing their successor. Topic Specialists and Senior Fellows could study at the ICBC for up to 12 months.

Can I get course credit for my work?
We are happy to work with your academic institution to develop a program that is in line with your school’s requirements.

Will I be financially compensated?
All in-house Fellows will be provided with small stipends to cover basic expenses. Most of the Fellows will be from the city where the ICBC is based, however each ICBC has limited funding to help cover air and housing for outside Fellows.

Are you still going to host Global Forums?
Yes, all of our Forums will fall under one of the thematic areas for our ICBCs. And each year the ICBCs will host their annual Global Forum where they will present the results of their research and efforts. They will also be responsible for hosting at least 3 Global Forums annually at locations throughout the world.

Where do the ICBCs get their funding?
The best way to ensure that our ICBCs maintain impartiality is to partner with a diverse group of funders. To this end, Athgo looks for individual partners as well as entities in the private sector, foundations, civil society, NGOs, governments, and international organizations. Contributions take many forms – from cash grants to in-kind products and services. Every dollar counts and we welcome all levels of contributions! Learn more or make a contribution .

How can I get involved?
Our Get Involved section is a great starting point - become a member and/or apply for an Internship or our Associates Program.

And make sure to Subscribe to the Athgo Newsletter so that you will always be the first to know about open positions and the latest updates on all of our programs.

If you have specific questions that were not answered here, please feel free to contact us .

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