What Does —What Should— Drive Innovation And Technology Advancement | The Cyber Society | A Conversation With Amanda Obidike And Baiba Žiga

“What drives innovation” is a fundamental question in our society — any society, in any historical time. The capacity to make changes by introducing new ideas, methods, and products is one trait that makes humans unique on this planet. But, again, what drives it?

The answer may — actually, most certainly will — vary depending on when, where, and of whom you ask that same question. It also does so even more when you apply those thoughts to different knowledge, industries, and cultures. So, like any other theory related to human science, it gets complicated.

In today’s conversation, we focus on technological innovation, which certainly helps to put boundaries around the topic of discussion. Still, nevertheless, the answer remains something for you to interpret.

According to many, wars have traditionally been a driver for technological advancement — a valid argument; one that is both morally disturbing and historically accurate. That is where we started, but it's not where we ended, which made us feel a bit better about being human. Economic competition, sports competitions, this pandemic, the last one, natural disasters, the desire to improve our everyday life and our lifespan — the list can go on and on and all of them are drivers for technological innovation.

In short, maybe it is the desire to overcome challenges and our ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills that drive us to improve.

We like to think this is the case. If the cost of technological advancement is warfare and loss of human life or the destruction of our own planet, we are doing it wrong. Seriously wrong.

This is a conversation with Amanda Obidike, Executive Director and Strategic Innovator @STEMi Makers Africa, and Baiba Žiga, Founder, Lakehouse Consulting.

We hope you will enjoy it and that it will make you think.

BTW, pardon the technical difficulties, but as we all should know well by now, the future is here but is not evenly distributed. Technology has a much more significant role than what is playing now in helping to turn the dream of equality into reality.

Let’s start with this conversation. And, be sure, we will not stop it here.

Guests
Amanda Obidike, Executive Director and Strategic Innovator @STEMi Makers Africa | Founding Curator of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers (@amandachirpy on Twitter)

Baiba Žiga, Founder & CEO, Lakehouse Consulting | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant (@BaibaZiga on Twitter)

This Episode’s Sponsors

BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

RSA Security: https://itspm.ag/itsprsaweb

Resources
STEMi Makers Africa: https://stemiafrica.org/

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