Uniting Data And Dreamers: Richard Swart at TEDxSaltLakeCity2.0

Richard Swart runs a research program at UC Berkeley studying the intersection of innovation and social funding mechanisms. He is one of the world's top experts in crowdfunding dynamics. He works with the US Government, the World Bank, and the European Union where he advises on the use of crowdfunding and crowdsourcing to spur innovation. Frequently playing at the intersection of startups and research, Richard undertook a research project years ago studying networking. He used this knowledge to build one of the nation's largest community for entrepreneurs and small businesses -- one of the fastest growing meetups ever formed. Dr. Swart consults with many companies to mentor their executives on how to leverage the power of networking and build innovation capacity. He is avidly interested in the intersection of science and the social graph -- and how changing social dynamics allow us to collectively solve complex problems.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)