Community Business and Technology: Report

This report presents research conducted collaboratively by researchers from the University of Essex and Promising Trouble (Careful Industries’ sister social enterprise), funded by the Business and Local Government Data Research Centre.

Carried out between May and September 2024, the study examines how community businesses engage with technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and explores their views on 'community technology' and 'community AI' approaches.

The research involved 28 community businesses across the UK and 13 in-depth interviews with a diverse range of organisations. The findings reveal a broad spectrum of technological engagement, with a strong interest in community tech and AI for social good. However, organisations face significant challenges, including issues with data management, ethical adoption, limited resources, and a need for more education, collaboration, and community-led governance.

The report calls for investment in skills, ethical governance, funding, and collaboration to ensure that community tech and AI are inclusive, sustainable, and driven by the needs of communities. Achieving the potential of community technology and AI to support more equitable and sustainable futures will require ongoing collaboration and investment, alongside a shift away from market-driven models towards those that are community-led, ethically grounded, and environmentally responsible.

We deeply appreciate everyone who contributed to this research, especially the participants whose knowledge and insights made it possible.

Read the full report to discover how community businesses are navigating the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact.