Steve Lohr reports on the new I.B.M. research lab in Kenya, which will work to tailor technological solutions to the prominent issues in Africa's major cities.
Nairobi, Kenya, was announced this week as the location for I.B.M.'s 12th research lab worldwide, and the fourth international I.B.M. branch in two years, following Ireland, Australia and Brazil. The lab will host a "resident scientist program," which will "bring in researchers from Nairobi and elsewhere in Africa to collaborate with I.B.M. scientists."
The purpose of this research lab is "to help train Africans to innovate in Africa," says Osamuyimen Stewart, I.B.M. scientist and native Nigerian, so that Africans can seek education and career-building skills in their native countries instead of moving West.
According to Lohr, "The Nairobi lab will seek to develop technology-assisted solutions to the problems of Africa's fast-growing cities (Africa has 52 cities of more than a million people - more than are in Europe). Water management and transportation, I.B.M. executives say, are prime examples. And solutions, they add, need not depend on long, costly projects."
"We're going to focus on very inexpensive solutions, rapidly developed," said John E. Kelly, I.B.M.'s senior vice president for research and director of I.B.M. labs.
FULL STORY: I.B.M. Adds an African Lab to Its Growing Global Research Network
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service