The international symposium IDEAS-2024 revolves around the overarching theme of "Innovation through Design and Co-Creation in Resource-Constrained Society." In our interconnected world, stark disparities between the Global North and Global South manifest in profound challenges that demand our attention. Economic imbalances, inequitable access to healthcare, and unequal resource distribution underscore the urgency of addressing pressing issues affecting the Global South. While technological progress transforms societies, it becomes evident that sophisticated, high-tech, and expensive solutions cannot adequately address the unmet needs of resource-constrained societies. People living in the developing world require solutions tailored to recognize and embrace their unique socio-economic, environmental, and geographical contexts. Such innovations must account for the intricate socio-economic fabric, complicating the adoption of high-tech solutions, and necessitating a nuanced and innovative co-design approach to provide cost-effective and user-friendly technologies.
In this regard, the international symposium IDEAS-2024, organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India, and Queen's University Canada, under the theme "Innovation through Design and Co-Creation in Resource-Constrained Societies," is envisioned for all stakeholders of design and technology, particularly end-users, practitioners, researchers, learners, and academicians. It aims to explore, discuss, and innovate at the nexus of design, engineering, and resource/infrastructure constraints in developing nations. This moment challenges us to unravel the complexities of global disparities, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that inspire solutions aligned with the diverse needs of developing countries. The symposium provides a vibrant forum for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to converge and explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges faced by developing nations. Situated at the intersection of design, engineering, and global development, this symposium aims to catalyze discussions and develop collaborations that can pave the way for transformative change, towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).