About
Who’s Dan Herman?
I’m a Toronto Waterloo-based researcher / traveller / would-be strategist with a passion for understanding the processes of economic and social development across the globe, with a particular focus on the political economy of governance and trade.
In a previous life I was the program director of nGenera Insight’s Government 2.0:Wikinomics, Government and Democracy research program that looks at how changes in technology, demographics, and economics are impacting both public and private sector organizations. My research has contributed to Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything and MacroWikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams, and has been commissioned by organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the Lisbon Council, and government organizations across Canada, Europe and the United States.
I’ve also worked for the United Nations and TakingITGlobal in Sierra Leone – a project that focused on building cross-sectoral dialogue between local government, youth and civil society organizations and the international community – as well as spending a significant time working on student leadership issues while at Wilfrid Laurier University.
I hold a Masters in Development Studies in the Faculty of Economics at the London School of Economics, as well as a degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. In September 2010 I’ll embark on PhD studies in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
In between all that I’ve travelled to fifty-odd countries across four continents.
You can reach me at: danxherman (at)gmail (.com)
Keep up the good work!
I came across your site while looking for info on poverty and incarceration. Why? I am currently enrolled at FNTI & Ryerson in the Public Administration and Governance Program (I’m 46 years young and work full-time!) I just finished the last classroom lectures (intense mode…trust me – it’s intense!)for the Intergovernmental Relations course (heavy on Federalism) and found myself pondering poverty and incarceration. Perhaps because the “Harper Government” as it is now to be referred – has really taken a strong position on crime (Bill S-2 and S-6)and I found myself shuddering! I grew up poor (I worked my way out of poverty because I realized at a very, very young age that “this is not right!” I struggled in school but for some reason I knew that this would be my only way out. What I have discovered – or want to see is – education for all – regardless of economic, social or geographic situation. I’m like a dog with a bone and your site has just got me started. Thank You!
Charlene, thank you for your message and congratulations on wrapping up your course work!
I’m glad, and very flattered, that my writing might help in some small way. As for the topic you’re studying – attacking crime as the current government is seeking to do is understandable from an emotional point of view but has absolutely no objective, empirical evidence to back it up. Incarcerating criminals does nothing to address the root causes of crime. Rather we need to spend more on ensuring opportunities and services for children, youth and young adults, especially in at risk communities, including (though by no means limited to) our First Nations communities. Education is part of this strategy but so too are other non-academic opportunities around skills training for trade, life skills, etc. Unfortunately, the logic that you and I may share seems to evade many others…
All the best, DH.
Although I think I’m doing all of this (working and going to school) for myself – I have to admit -I’m doing it to prove that it can be done. But, the supports have to be place. Sites like yours help make that happen. Inspiration is what makes reality.