The overarching objective of Global Pulse is to develop a 21st century approach to real-time crisis impact monitoring that enables decision makers to protect vulnerable populations with agile, targeted policy responses.
To that end, Global Pulse is pursuing a systems-based implementation plan based on 3 strategic tracks:
- Data Research: Exploring innovative methods and frameworks for combining new types of real-time data with traditional development indicators to detect early impacts of global shocks;
- Technology Toolkit: Assembling a technology platform - largely assembled from existing free and open source technologies - to house cutting edge tools for sharing hypotheses and integrating, analyzing and visualizing data;
- Network of Pulse Labs: A catalytic network of in-country innovation centers—the first of which has been established in New York—that will use the methods and tools for real-time impact monitoring, collaborative analysis and decision-making at the country level and support the adoption of useful innovations into standard practice.
KEY MILESTONES
2011
- Data Research. First prototype of a real-time monitoring framework published, identifying relevant real-time proxy indicators for tracking crisis impacts.
- Pulse Lab Kampala. Flagship Pulse Lab operational and adapting Global Pulse technology tools and processes to Uganda data.
- Second Pulse Lab. Scoping team for second Pulse Lab in Asia working in-country to identify partners and data sources.
- Technology Platform Design. Publication of end-to-end design for the Global Pulse technology platform and initial prototype available for testing.
- Technology Challenges and Solutions. Global Pulse technology challenges identified and shared with volunteer software developers around the world; first technology solutions contributed by the Global Pulse volunteer community.
- Development of Data Philanthropy Framework. Private sector companies partnering to develop a data protection framework under which they could safely engage in sharing data for the greater good.
- Global Pulse Monitoring Bulletin. Findings from a series of innovative research collaborations with the private sector and academia exploring what new data can tell us about the impacts of the current global food crisis.
2012
- Four Pulse Labs. Four Pulse Labs operational in four early-adopter countries across different geographical regions, actively testing new tools and approaches and sharing findings and solutions.
- Pulse Lab Cookbook. First draft of cookbook, capturing lessons and best practices to facilitate replication of country-level real-time crisis impact monitoring.
- Technology Platform (version 1.0). Platform developed and being used by governments in Pulse Lab countries to leverage new and existing tools for real-time vulnerability tracking and crisis impact monitoring.
- Open Source Technology Community. Global community of volunteer software developers mobilized and producing a sustainable stream of up-to-date technology innovations for real-time crisis monitoring.
- Data Philanthropy Consortium. Consortium of private sector companies established to share data for real-time crisis monitoring.
- Global Pulse Monitoring Bulletins. Quarterly bulletins produced and recognized as an important contribution for global advocacy on the plight of vulnerable populations.
2013-2015
- Technology Platform (version 2.0). Platform enhanced with a rich array of tools developed by the global community, and being used by governments around the world.
- Ten Pulse Labs. Ten Labs established and successfully using the Pulse Monitoring Framework to support policymaking at the country level, and leveraging the Pulse Technology Platform to function as an integrated global crisis impact monitoring network.
- Adoption of Lab-based Approach. Pulse Labs and Cookbook supporting other countries in replicating and adapting the Global Pulse real-time monitoring framework to local contexts.
- Data Philanthropy. Sharing of private sector data, using open data standards, recognized internationally as an important form of corporate social responsibility.