Time for some big ideas.
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times struck me. Thomas L. Friedman explores the growing technological advancements in China, particularly through the lens of Huawei’s expansive research campus, which spans the size of 225 football fields and accommodates up to 35,000 workers. Friedman notes that while the United States once served as a beacon of innovation, many now look to China for the future. He highlights that China produces approximately three and a half million graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics each year, outpacing the total number of graduates in all disciplines in the United States. Friedman also critiques U.S. policies under President Trump, suggesting that the focus on tariffs and isolationism could hinder American innovation, as China continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its manufacturing processes at an alarming rate. He emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, proposing a strategy of “Made in America, by American workers, in partnership with Chinese technology.”
The Time was on a roll, and Tressie McMillan Cottom discusses the limitations of artificial intelligence, suggesting that the technology has not lived up to its transformative promises. The author argues that while A.I. can improve efficiency in certain tasks, such as analyzing medical data, its applications often result in mediocre outcomes, referred to as “mid tech.” For instance, A.I. is frequently utilized for mundane tasks like scheduling and meal planning, rather than groundbreaking innovations. The piece highlights a warning from economists Daron Acemoglu and Pascual Restrepo, who describe these “so-so” technologies as failing to create meaningful change in the workplace. The article also raises concerns about A.I.’s potential to undermine expertise and education, pointing out that it may reinforce existing inequalities in knowledge and skills. The author concludes that despite its possibilities, A.I. is currently more of a tool for demoralizing workers than a revolutionary force in society.
Why do we care?
There’s a real tension out there related to all this tech.
How are you preparing for a more fragmented global tech landscape, particularly by considering diversifying your supplier base and offering solutions that can pivot quickly if geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains. Are you encouraging clients to invest in automation and AI as part of a broader resilience strategy?
And with all the hype… are the products just mid? Or are the cumulative effect of these incremental improvements—like better logistics, streamlined customer service, or automated data processing—driving significant value over time? Or could the answer be… yes? Often, the most boring things are the most valuable.