Power and Progress: Rethinking Technology for the Common Good

Throughout history, technological advancements have played a pivotal role in societal development, yet their benefits have often been unevenly distributed. In his latest book, Power and Progress, co-authored with Simon Johnson, Daron Acemoglu, a prominent economist and author of the bestseller Why Nations Fail, embarks on a bold reinterpretation of economics and history, examining how technology shapes our world.
In this webinar, Professor Acemoglu will present his compelling analysis of a thousand years of technological progress and its societal impacts. From the agricultural advancements of the Middle Ages to the digital revolution of the present day, he will explore how these innovations have often served the interests of a select few while sidelining broader prosperity. Key themes of the webinar include:
- How has the historical pattern of technology predominantly benefited the elite at the expense of the masses?
- What impact do digital technologies and artificial intelligence have on modern economies and democracies?
- What strategies can be employed to redirect technological innovation in order to empower and democratize society?
Sponsors
This event is sponsored by the International Telecommunications Society. The academic host is the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, and the corprate host is TELUS Communications.
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