Full STEAM Ahead; Lighting Up the Future

As a follow-up to my previous article, “The Magic & Mystery of San Francisco: Fostering Innovation Through Community & Collaboration,” I am excited to share the results of a campaign I recently led with the City of Bakersfield, called Destination for Innovation. This initiative led to groundbreaking work, including a study by Columbia University on integrating solar energy generation on active agricultural land in Kern County, known as agrivoltaics.

Professional and Personal Growth

Leading this campaign was a profound learning experience for me. The process, application of theory, interactions with amazing guests, and public response provided invaluable insights both professionally and personally. I realized the potential for innovation when communities come together, and I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of collaborative efforts.

The Role of Arts in STEM

Building on the themes from my previous article, I am now focusing on STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. While STEM has traditionally emphasized the technical and scientific disciplines, integrating the arts is vital for holistic innovation. The arts foster creativity, bring people together, and provide new perspectives that are crucial for problem-solving and advancing technology.

Social Media as an Art

During an episode of the Destination for Innovation series, my friend Jeanette Richardson from the ARTS COUNCIL OF KERN illuminated an important truth: social media is an art. This revelation struck a chord with me, as I realized that, in many ways, I am an artist. While my children excel in graphic arts, my own artistic talents manifest in bringing people together and driving innovation through platforms like LinkedIn. The goals of artists—to express themselves, connect people, and inspire—align closely with my own.

Integrating Art into Engineering and Technology

Art is inherently woven into our engineering and technological advancements. From the design of user-friendly interfaces to the aesthetic appeal of products, art enhances functionality and user experience. The creative process in art mirrors the innovative process in technology, making it essential to foster a culture that values and integrates artistic expression.

Themes of Kindness, Curiosity, and Belonging

During the Destination for Innovation campaign, several key themes emerged: kindness, curiosity, and belonging. These themes are essential for fostering a supportive and innovative community. By promoting kindness, we create an environment where individuals feel valued and respected. Curiosity drives us to explore new ideas and solutions, while a sense of belonging ensures everyone feels connected and included. These qualities can be nurtured both online and in person, through our approach to media, events, and personal interactions, ultimately driving innovation.

Fostering an Innovative Environment

In my readings and experiences, several key ingredients have been identified that foster an innovative environment. As outlined in Walter Isaacson's The Innovators, the atmosphere for innovation in Silicon Valley was cultivated through a combination of public-private partnerships, a robust research ecosystem, and substantial government spending. This was managed through a military-industrial-academic collaboration that organized the intersection of community organizers, communal-minded hippies, DIY hobbyists, and homebrew hackers.

I believe these groups can be expanded to include interest groups such as artists, gardeners, and even faith-based organizations. Rather than being driven solely by a distrust of government, these groups can be motivated by a love for local community. With the modern age allowing self-identification and easier organization, mobilizing these interest groups toward collectively pursuing positive community benefits through innovation may be more achievable than ever. Imagine the level of STEAM activity of Silicon Valley happening in diverse communities across the world. We could quickly address our environmental and social challenges.

The Future of GreenTech Network

In the coming months and years, the GreenTech Network will see a strong emphasis on STEAM, with a particular focus on the arts. Our goal is to bring people together to drive innovation that uplifts us all. By creating a culture that values the intersection of diverse disciplines and fosters kindness, curiosity, and belonging, we can harness the full potential of our collective creativity and ingenuity.

Conclusion?

As we move forward, let’s embrace the role of the arts in STEM. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, we can create a more innovative and inclusive future. I look forward to engaging with all of you on this journey and driving transformative change through the GreenTech Network.

Feel free to like, comment, share, and subscribe. Any book recommendations or resources are always appreciated!

By focusing on the holistic integration of STEAM with arts at the center and fostering themes of kindness, curiosity, and belonging, we can build bridges between communities and foster an environment where innovation thrives.

Together, let’s create a future where art and technology work hand in hand to uplift and inspire.

Connect. Collaborate. Create.

Les Mood - GreenTech Network