In today’s digital age, we’re more connected than ever.
Smartphones, social media, messaging apps and countless other platforms allow us to interact with people from all over the world in real-time.
Yet, despite this, many of us still feel isolated in one way or another - spending hours behind screens, disconnected from our family and friends, or disengaged from the communities we live in.
It’s an irony of our modern age: while technology has made it easier to connect, it has, in some ways, made it harder to establish authentic relationships or engage in purposeful collaborations.
Why collaboration matters
Collaboration is more than just working or living in harmony together - it’s about creating opportunities for people to come together, share ideas and solve problems collectively.
When we collaborate, we not only exchange knowledge, we build relationships, show empathy for each other and share goals. This can have a profound impact on our personal and professional lives.
In the context of community and work, purposeful collaborations can turn isolation into interaction and disconnection into engagement.
Barriers to collaboration
Despite the vast potential for collaboration, many barriers remain. Online interactions often fall short of face-to-face connections, and any awkward or insincere exchanges can quickly lead to disengagement.
Many people also lack the opportunities to collaborate with their community or colleagues effectively, leaving them feeling disconnected or overlooked.
This challenge is particularly evident in the workplace where remote working and siloed work practices can hinder skill sharing and talent management.
It's also true in place-based communities - people can create change when given the opportunity to do so.
How Made Open can help
At Made Open, we offer ways for people with a shared purpose to collaborate, communicate and connect:
Collaborate
Sharing ideas, solving problems or co-designing projects.
Communicate
Allowing everyone to contribute, equally and fairly.
Connect
Finding others with similar needs, interests or values.
We are best known for our community platforms which "power up" place-based communities and collaborative peer networks. In many ways, our platforms are the connective tissue for inclusivity, learning and collaboration.
In addition, we also provide resources and expertise to help our clients' communities thrive. Because in a world where digital connectivity can deepen real-world disconnection, it’s clearly not just about technology - it’s about creating meaning.