The Innovation Civilization Podcast

#37 - Ravi Ramamurti : Reverse Innovation Secrets: How Emerging Economies Are Out-Innovating The West

We’re joined by Professor Ravi Ramamurti, founder and director of the Center for Emerging Markets at Northeastern University in Boston, who’s one of the world’s leading experts on innovation in emerging economies.

 

Professor Ramamurti who along with his co-author coined the term ‘reverse innovation’ — the phenomenon where innovation flows not from West to East, but from developing countries upward into wealthier markets. In this wide-ranging conversation, he challenges long-held assumptions about who innovates, how innovation spreads, and what lessons emerging markets are teaching the world.

 

We dive into:

1. How reverse innovation has become a mainstream force, from portable ultrasounds to healthcare delivery models.
2. What made India’s hospitals 90% cheaper than the U.S. while matching quality.
3. The rise of China as a global innovation leader in EVs, solar, AI, and biotech.
4. How internal competition and STEM education give China an edge.
5. What separates emerging market multinationals from their Western counterparts.
6. Why globalization might retreat in the West but accelerate across the Global South.
7. The role of business model innovation, not just technical R&D, in driving growth.
8. What policymakers in emerging economies should focus on to unlock innovation.

This episode is part of the Emerging Market Innovation Series, created in collaboration with Strategic Counsel, and also features Hafidzi Razali, founder and CEO of Strategic Counsel.

 

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

 

1.⁠ ⁠Innovation Is Reversing Direction: Emerging markets are no longer just catching up—they’re now originating impactful innovations that reshape global industries.

 

2.⁠ ⁠Business Model Innovation Matters: From mobile payments to frugal healthcare, the biggest breakthroughs often come not from new tech, but from rethinking cost and access at scale.

 

3.⁠ ⁠China Is Now a Global Innovation Engine: Whether it’s batteries, solar, AI, or pharmaceuticals, China is leading with original ideas—not just copycat models.

 

4.⁠ ⁠Internal Competition Fuels Innovation: China’s provinces, companies, and universities are in constant competition, making it one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the world.

 

5.⁠ ⁠Emerging Market MNCs Start Differently: Unlike Western firms built on tech superiority, EMNCs often scale through local problem-solving, cost innovation, and process excellence.

 

6.⁠ ⁠Don’t Underestimate South-South Trade: As Western markets close, emerging markets may open up to one another, forming a new kind of globalization led from the Global South.

 

7.⁠ ⁠Innovation Needs State Support — and Deregulation: Countries need smart deregulation, investment in human capital, and openness to global ideas to create fertile ground for local innovation.

 

8.⁠ ⁠The AI Era Will Shake Up Everything: Professor Ramamurti shares early thoughts on how AI could redefine software economies like India’s and change the geography of work.

 

(00:00) - Intro

(01:39) - What is Reverse Innovation?

(02:55) - What sparked Europe’s rise in the 19th century—and is the West now in decline?

(09:35) - Examples of Reverse Innovation

(14:10) - What are some original innovations from emerging economies that led global trends?

(17:01) - Why are business model innovations just as critical as technical breakthroughs?

(18:15) - Is China still reliant on Western education for innovation, or has it built its own R&D ecosystem?

(20:17) - Do emerging economies need to copy before they can truly innovate?

(22:49) - Is local competition between Chinese municipalities driving the country’s innovation boom?

(25:53) - Is China’s tech dominance threatening local industries in Southeast Asia?

(28:01) - What makes emerging market multinationals (EMNCs) different—and potentially better—than Western MNCs?

(30:31) - As labor costs rise, how can China and emerging economies stay competitive in manufacturing?

(32:26) - Can Latin America rise to global tech prominence like China—and what stands in its way?

(34:06) - Are Latin American governments investing in local innovation like East Asian state-owned giants do?

(35:41) - What should emerging market policymakers do to spark innovation and global competitiveness?

(37:38) - How should emerging markets innovate in a world moving away from globalization and free trade?

(40:37) - Is globalization making rich countries lose their edge while manufacturing hubs gain design power?

(43:38) - What groundbreaking research is coming out of the Center for Emerging Market Studies at Northeastern University?

(45:52) - Outro

 

Join us for a powerful and myth-busting discussion with Professor Ravi Ramamurti as we explore the next chapter of global innovation from the perspective of the rising world.

 

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#36 - George Sivulka : Knowledge Work 2.0: The Company Creating The Multi-Agent Future

We’re joined by George Sivulka, Founder and CEO of Hebbia, for a conversation on how does the future of white collar work look like with multi-agents. Hebbia is backed by some of the most legendary technology investors of our generation including Peter Thiel (early investor: Paypal, Facebook), Marc Andreesen (early investor: Airbnb, Github, Coinbase), Eric Schmidt (ex-CEO Google), Jerry Yang (Co-founder Yahoo).

George’s background from Stanford’s PhD program, combined with his work at the cutting edge of AI meta-learning, has led him to a bold mission: to build Hebbia into a generationally important company that captures the full power of the AI revolution, not through chatbots, but through entirely new interfaces for serious, complex work.

We dive into:

• What does the future of white collar/knowledge work look like
• What the future UX/UI of Agentic AI might be (beyond chatbots).
• How Hebbia uses multi-agent orchestration to tackle tasks like investment research, drug discovery, and complex analysis.
• How Hebbia solves hallucination by "citing first, generating second."
• Why George believes AI won't eliminate jobs, but will transform how we work—and why humans will always find new ways to create value.
• The lessons George has learned from investors like Peter Thiel and Eric Schmidt about building great companies.

We also discuss deeper trends like the geography of AI data centers, the future of inference scaling laws, and why the real competitive advantage won't be technology alone — but taste, orchestration, and human-AI collaboration.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1.⁠ ⁠Chatbots Are Just the Beginning:

George explains why chat is a weak UI for serious work—the future will be spreadsheet-like, matrixed, and human/agent collaborative.

2.⁠ ⁠Multi-Agent Orchestration is Key:

Hebbia focuses on orchestrating many AI agents and humans together to handle truly complex, multi-hop tasks across domains.

3.⁠ ⁠Hallucination-Free AI:

Hebbia flips the model—retrieving and citing information first, then generating outputs—to ensure accuracy and trust in critical workstreams.

4.⁠ ⁠AI Will Augment, Not Replace Humans:

Work will shift from purely human to hybrid models, with humans and AI agents collaborating fluidly rather than one replacing the other.

5.⁠ ⁠Taste and Human Judgment Will Matter More Than Ever:

As software creation becomes ubiquitous, taste, creativity, and judgment will be the new moats for great companies.

6.⁠ ⁠The Importance of Geopolitics in AI Infrastructure:

George highlights why where data centers are located — and who controls compute — will be a defining factor for global AI leadership.

7.⁠ ⁠Building for the Entire Planet, Not Just One Nation:

George’s vision for Hebbia is a global platform for all humanity, regardless of geopolitical shifts.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:48) - Why is Hebbia a generationally important company shaping the future of civilization?

(04:23) - Is the chatbot interface the wrong path for the future of AI user experiences?

(06:45) - What core problem is Hebbia solving that current LLMs and AI tools haven’t addressed yet?

(09:34) - How does Hebbia tackle AI hallucinations?

(13:10) - What will a multi-agent AI future look like for everyday users in the next decade?

(15:00) - Will AI replace white-collar jobs first—and what does the future of knowledge work really look like?

(19:20) - Is the AI revolution truly different because it introduces general intelligence beyond past technologies?

(23:09) - Is the decentralization of knowledge creating a new wave of better scientists outside traditional institutions?

(24:11) - Is the rise of no-code and ubiquitous software creation signaling the end of traditional B2B SaaS?

(26:54) - How do legendary investors like Eric Schmidt, Peter Thiel, and Jerry Yang influence Hebbia’s strategy and vision?

(28:54) - What makes Hebbia stand out as multi-agent AI technology rapidly advances?

(30:32) - What AI trend are people not paying enough attention to?

(32:31) - How are global shifts in trade and politics shaping the future of AI and company building?

(34:25) - How are customers measuring real ROI from their AI investments amid today’s AI boom?

(36:23) - Is the true value of AI hidden in the new possibilities it unlocks, beyond just faster tasks?

(37:19) - Outro

Join us for this electrifying conversation with George Sivulka, where we explore the frontier of AI-human collaboration, the future of work, and how to build enduring technology companies.

Follow our host on Linkedln to know more or subscribe to our emailing list to get new episodes directly into your inbox.

#35 - Dante Disparte : Fixing Broken Money: The Beginning of the Stablecoin Civilization

We’re joined by Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle, one of the biggest issuers of stablecoins (USDC) in the world.

 

This year marks an important inflexion point for stablecoins as adoption and key regulation kicks in. We’re glad to have some one like Dante who has worked at the intersection of finance, technology, and policy, including his role on the US Digital Currency Governance Consortium and the World Economic Forum. As one of the central figures behind USDC, Circle’s fully-reserved dollar-based stablecoin, he breaks down the real-world applications of stablecoins, how they differ from traditional banking rails, and what this means for billions of people globally.

 

We dive into:

• How traditional banking rails are fundamentally broken, and why stablecoins collapse messaging and settlement into a single, real-time action.

• Why USDC is a safer, 1:1 dollar-backed alternative to traditional banking deposits.

• How stablecoins are already transforming economic life in emerging markets.

• The global policy implications of programmable digital money.

• Why this is not about disrupting traditional finance—but completing its unfinished work.

 

Stablecoins represent a transformative opportunity to rebuild the global financial system in an open, instant, and borderless manner, akin to how the internet revolutionized information sharing. By eliminating intermediaries and leveraging blockchain technology, stablecoins can significantly reduce transaction costs and times, making financial services more accessible and efficient worldwide. This shift has the potential to democratize finance, enabling seamless global commerce and innovation, much like how email and the web democratized communication and information access. 

 

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1.⁠ ⁠Stablecoins Collapse Messaging and Settlement into One Layer:

Unlike traditional systems like SWIFT or PayPal, where a payment is just a message and settlement lags behind, stablecoins like USDC send the actual value along with the message—executing real-time, programmable transactions.

 

2.⁠ ⁠The World’s Financial Plumbing Is Broken:

Slow, expensive, and opaque systems benefit incumbents who profit from delays. Stablecoins offer an open, interoperable alternative—what Dante calls the "Internet of Value."

 

3.⁠ ⁠USDC is 1:1 Backed – Not Fractional Reserve:

Circle holds 100% of reserves in cash and short-term US Treasuries. Fully transparent, independently audited, and free from commingling, USDC is designed for trust at scale.

 

4.⁠ ⁠Emerging Markets Are Leading Adoption:

USDC is being adopted as a store of value and medium of exchange in places with volatile local currencies, enabling billions of unbanked and underbanked users to access the global economy.

 

5.⁠ ⁠Stablecoins Enable New Forms of Programmable Finance:

From streaming payments to tokenized IP ownership, stablecoins unlock composable, automated financial systems. Think of it as building with financial Lego blocks.

 

6.⁠ ⁠Interoperability Is Key:

Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) and integration with 18+ blockchains allow USDC to operate natively across ecosystems—much like email works across providers.

 

7.⁠ ⁠Stablecoins vs. CBDCs vs. Bitcoin:

Dante lays out why stablecoins (especially private-sector ones) offer better trust, scalability, and flexibility than central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) or highly volatile assets like Bitcoin.

 

8.⁠ ⁠Global Policy Must Catch Up:

Governments should embrace rules-based competition and interoperability, rather than stifling innovation. Stablecoins are not here to replace sovereign currencies—they're here to complete unfinished work in the financial system.

 

Join us for a masterclass in monetary innovation and policy with one of the most visionary voices in fintech.

 

Follow our host on Linkedln to know more or subscribe to our emailing list to get new episodes directly into your inbox.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:28) - What is Stablecoin?

(02:15) - How does decentralized digital money differ from early platforms like PayPal?

(03:46) - How does money actually settle using SWIFT and traditional banking systems?

(05:47) - Why is the traditional global settlement system a black box—and what makes it so outdated?

(11:10) - Why does the world need stablecoins in a modern financial system?

(16:56) - Why are stablecoins like USDC gaining massive traction in emerging markets?

(20:29) - How do mobile money systems like M-Pesa compare to USDC in emerging markets?

(23:32) - Is USDC revolutionizing remittance corridors through partnerships in emerging markets?

(27:12) - Will USDC become a part of everyday banking and be usable at points of sale?

(35:47) - Does USDC operate on a full-reserve model instead of fractional reserve banking?

(38:39) - Is USDC’s future too dependent on the U.S. dollar’s global reserve currency status?

(45:59) - Can central banks like the Bank of England issue digital currencies on open-source USDC rails?

(48:59) - What would a strategic Bitcoin reserve mean for U.S. monetary policy and global finance?

(51:26) - Is the U.S. strategy to dominate digital finance through both USDC and Bitcoin reserves?

(55:36) - What happens to local currencies if global citizens start holding USDC instead?

(59:13) - Can USDC inflows help strengthen foreign exchange reserves in emerging markets like Kenya?

(62:32) - What does the future of money and daily finance look like by the year 2100?

(64:54) - What key regulations are needed now to shape the future of digital finance?

(66:23) - Outro

 

 

#34 - Prof. Jomo Kwame Sundaram : Why Most Countries Stay Poor – Growth, Power & Global Myths

In this episode, we're joined by Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a Malaysian economist and thought leader who served as the Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the United Nations (UN) and Assistant Director-General at the FAO. We explore how countries in the Global South can chart their own paths to prosperity.

 

What makes a country truly developed? Is it just GDP per capita or something deeper?

 

Professor Jomo challenges conventional economic dogma—unpacking flawed narratives around FDI, inflation, aid, and industrial policy. With sharp historical insight and grounded realism, he examines why only a few countries have truly made the leap from developing to developed, and what it takes for the rest to follow.

 

We dive deep into:

• Why South Korea’s path to development is so unique—and rarely replicated

• The dangers of relying too heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI)

• How resource-rich countries like Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea remain poor

• The role of good governance—myth vs. reality

• Industrial policy and protectionism in the modern age

• The myth of the 2% inflation target and the origins of TFP calculations

• Why we need whistleblowers in economics to fight mythology

 

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. GDP Isn’t Everything:

Professor Jomo argues that true development is about human capabilities—not just high income. Many mineral-rich countries show that high GDP doesn’t guarantee a capable, prosperous society.

2. FDI Is Not a Magic Bullet:

Countries like South Korea succeeded by limiting FDI and building domestic capacity. In contrast, over-reliance on foreign capital can lead to wealth extraction without long-term benefits.

3. Governance Indicators Are Circular:

Metrics of good governance often reinforce existing biases, labeling developing countries as inherently poor-governed based on narrow criteria.

4. Aid Isn’t Always Altruistic:

While aid can help, it often serves political purposes and fails to address structural problems. Misguided advice—like telling Tanzania not to tax gold mining—has impoverished nations further.

5. The Power of Industrial Policy:

From the U.S. post-Civil War to modern-day China, industrial policy has always driven real growth. The current revival of protectionism may reshape global trade dynamics.

6. The Myth of the 2% Inflation Target:

Professor Jomo dismantles the origin story of the widely accepted 2% inflation target, tracing it back to a political slogan in New Zealand rather than any real economic justification.

7. Emerging Markets Must Think Contextually:

There’s no one-size-fits-all model for development. Local conditions, capabilities, and smart policymaking matter more than mimicking the West.

8. Technology’s Role Is Complex:

AI and machine learning have vast potential, but without equitable distribution, they may worsen inequality. True progress lies in how benefits are shared.

 

Join us for this unfiltered, eye-opening episode with Professor Jomo, where we challenge dominant development narratives and explore the real ingredients of economic transformation.

 

Follow our host on Linkedln to know more or subscribe to our emailing list to get new episodes directly into your inbox.

 

This conversation is part of the Emerging Market Innovation Series, brought to you in collaboration with Strategic Counsel, where we're also joined by Hafidzi Razali, Founder and CEO of Strategic Counsel.

 

Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction to Professor Jomo and his global economic leadership

(02:00) – What defines a developed country? Why GDP isn’t enough

(05:50) – The FDI trap: Why foreign capital can hinder national development

(12:10) – Lessons from Korea, China, and Singapore

(17:45) – Mariana Mazzucato, moonshots, and the entrepreneurial state debate

(24:00) – Financialization and the decline of real innovation

(30:50) – Industrial policy from Hamilton to Biden: A history of protectionism

(36:10) – Extractive vs. inclusive institutions: Debating colonial legacy

(43:00) – The French CFA zone and the myth of aid

(49:30) – Inflation targeting and monetary policy misconceptions

(55:00) – Can AI drive growth—or deepen inequality?

(60:00) – Final thoughts on building resilient, people-first economies

#33 - Benji Leibowitz: What is ‘Decentralized-Science’ & How Will It Transform The Future of Science & Innovation

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Benji Leibowitz, Chief Operating Officer at Molecule and Co-Founder of Pump.Science. Benji is at the forefront of the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement, which utilizes blockchain technology to democratize research funding and empower scientific communities.

 

Benji Leibowitz has a diverse background in academic research, investment banking, venture capital, and computational biology research and development. At Molecule, he plays a pivotal role in creating a decentralized biotech protocol that connects researchers with funding opportunities through Web3 technologies. Additionally, he leads Pump.Science, a Solana-native DeSci funding platform aimed at gamifying and broadening participation in scientific research. ​

 

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Challenges in Traditional Science Funding: How centralized funding models limit innovation and how DeSci proposes to address these issues.

• The Role of Blockchain in DeSci: Why blockchain is considered the ideal technology for decentralizing scientific research and funding.​

• Introduction to Molecule and Pump.Science: An overview of these platforms and how they aim to revolutionize the way scientific research is funded and conducted.​

• Engaging the Broader Community: How platforms like Pump.Science are gamifying research funding to involve a wider audience in scientific discovery.​

• Advice for Researchers: Encouragement and guidance for scientists interested in exploring decentralized models for their work.​

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Decentralization Empowers Researchers: By leveraging blockchain technology, researchers can access funding sources beyond traditional institutions, fostering innovation.​

2. Community Engagement is Crucial: Decentralized platforms enable public participation in scientific research, increasing transparency and trust.​

3. Blockchain Ensures Transparency: The immutable nature of blockchain records enhances the credibility and reproducibility of scientific findings.​

4. Gamification Attracts Participation: Introducing game-like elements to research funding can make science more accessible and engaging to the public.​

5. Future of DeSci: Decentralized Science holds the potential to accelerate scientific discoveries by democratizing access to funding and resources.​

 

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:27) - What is decentralized science, and how does it challenge traditional research models?

(03:25) - What inefficiencies in traditional science does decentralized science aim to solve?

(05:31) - How is decentralized science redefining intellectual property in research and innovation?

(12:18) - In today’s fast-moving biotech landscape, does drug exclusivity still hold up for 20 years?

(19:18) - Are early-stage anti-aging drugs the future of longevity science?

(24:09) - How does decentralized science ensure research credibility and scientific rigor?

(26: 08) - In a world of fractionalized IP, how do researchers protect and govern their innovations?

(31:53) - Is decentralized science a revolution or just another crypto scam?

(33:47) - Can long-term scientific research thrive in the fast-paced, hype-driven crypto market?

(44:42) - How can decentralized science integrate with traditional research institutions and publishing models?

(47:44) – What career paths and recognition exist for researchers in decentralized science?

 

Join us for this insightful discussion with Benji Leibowitz as we delve into how decentralization and blockchain technology are transforming the scientific research ecosystem.

 

Follow our host on Linkedln to know more or subscribe to our emailing list to get new episodes directly into your inbox.

#32 - Dr. Soumitra Dutta - How Emerging Markets Can Win the Global AI & Innovation Race?

In this episode, part of our brand new Emerging Market Innovation Series, we sat down with Soumitra Dutta, Dean of the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. He's an expert on global innovation and the author of the Global Innovation Index, which is used by governments and institutions worldwide to shape innovation policy. 

We're also joined by a friend of the pod, Hafidzi Razali who's the Founder and CEO of Strategic Counsel, who's an expert on policy-making in South-east Asia and beyond.

Innovation is often seen as the driving force behind economic growth, but how can emerging markets build successful innovation ecosystems? We explore the key ingredients required to foster innovation at a national level.

Soumitra Dutta has worked at the intersection of academia, business, and policy, serving as the Dean of leading business schools and advising governments on how to create innovation-driven economies. He shares key insights on how emerging markets can learn from global success stories and adapt them to their own unique environments.

We dive deep into:
• Defining Innovation: How innovation differs from invention and why successful market adoption is key.
• National Innovation Strategies: Why political leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation.
• The Role of Governments: How government policies, procurement, and infrastructure investments can catalyze innovation.
• Emerging Market Leadership: Lessons from countries like Singapore, China, and Finland on transforming national economies.
• The Role of Talent: Why attracting, developing, and retaining skilled professionals is critical for sustainable innovation.
• Measuring Innovation: A breakdown of the Global Innovation Index and how emerging markets can climb the rankings.
• Collaboration vs. Competition: Why innovation thrives in open, knowledge-sharing ecosystems.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Innovation Requires Strong Leadership:
Countries that successfully foster innovation have strong political leadership that prioritizes R&D, education, and infrastructure.

2. Government as an Enabler:
From providing financial incentives to setting up digital infrastructure, how governments can play a key role in ensuring businesses and entrepreneurs can innovate effectively.

3. Why Emerging Markets Need a Unique Strategy:
Instead of mimicking Silicon Valley, emerging markets must leverage their strengths, such as market-driven innovations and regulatory flexibility.

4. The Importance of Talent & Immigration:
Nations that attract and retain top talent consistently outperform others in innovation. Policies that make it easier for skilled professionals to relocate can accelerate growth.

5. Learning from China & Singapore:
China’s strategic long-term investment in innovation and Singapore’s structured approach to attracting businesses provide models that other emerging markets can adapt.

6. Infrastructure as a Foundation:
A strong innovation ecosystem needs reliable digital and physical infrastructure, including roads, internet connectivity, and financial systems.

7. The Power of KPIs and Measurement:
Innovation must be measured effectively—governments should not just aim to climb rankings but use metrics to improve their weakest links.

8. Open Innovation & Collaboration:
The best innovation economies prioritize knowledge-sharing and open-source development over isolationist policies.

Timestamps:
(00:00) – Introduction to Soumitra Dutta and the Emerging Market Innovation Series
(02:10) – What is innovation? Breaking down invention vs. market adoption
(05:30) – Why and what kind of government policies are critical for innovation success
(10:20) – Lessons from Singapore, China, and Finland on scaling innovation
(18:45) – How to achieve leadership & cross-ministry collaboration in national innovation
(25:10) – How AI and blockchain are reshaping innovation ecosystems at national levels
(30:40) – The importance of attracting top talent to drive innovation
(36:50) – Measuring innovation: How the Global Innovation Index works
(42:30) – The need for systemic change to improve education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure
(50:10) – Why collaboration is more important than competition in driving innovation
(56:30) – Closing thoughts and final advice for emerging market leaders

Join us in this compelling discussion with Soumitra Dutta, where we uncover the building blocks of national innovation ecosystems and how emerging markets can thrive in the new global economy.

Follow our host on Linkedln to know more or subscribe to our emailing list to get new episodes directly into your inbox.

This episode is part of the Emerging Market Innovation Series, produced in collaboration with Strategic Counsel.

 

#31 - Daniel Eriksson - Corruption 101 Ins & Outs: Fighting Corruption in the Age of AI & Tech

In this episode, we sat down with Daniel Eriksson, former CEO of Transparency International, to explore how corruption operates globally and what can be done to combat it.

Corruption is one of the most pervasive challenges facing the world today. But how do we dismantle it, especially when it's deeply entrenched in political systems? 

Daniel has spearheaded anti-corruption initiatives across more than 100 countries, leading advocacy efforts to challenge corrupt systems, promote transparency, and hold the powerful accountable. From state capture to the misuse of emerging technologies, he sheds light on how corruption evolves and how we can fight back.

We dive deep into:

Understanding Corruption: Breaking down the types of corruption, from petty bribery to grand corruption and state capture.

The Role of Transparency International: How TI’s Corruption Perception Index works and its impact on global anti-corruption efforts.

Global North’s Role in Enabling Corruption: How countries like the UK and Switzerland facilitate money laundering from the Global South.

Emerging Technologies in the Fight Against Corruption: The potential of AI and blockchain to detect and prevent corrupt practices.

Success Stories: How Ukraine’s digital transformation has made it a leading example in anti-corruption during wartime.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Corruption Defined: Daniel Eriksson explains corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, highlighting its various forms, from petty corruption to state capture.

2. Transparency as a Cure: Open data, digital public procurement, and accessible financial records are key to minimizing corruption, especially in high-risk sectors like defense and real estate.

3. The Global North’s Responsibility: Wealth stolen from the Global South often ends up in the Global North. Daniel calls for stronger regulations to prevent money laundering through real estate, anonymous shell companies, and financial systems.

4. The Power of AI and Blockchain: While blockchain remains underutilized, AI holds promise in analyzing large datasets to uncover hidden corruption, though challenges remain in its adoption.

5. Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Journey: Despite being at war, Ukraine has climbed Transparency International’s corruption rankings through citizen-driven efforts, digitalization, and political will.

6. Challenges for Transitioning Countries: For countries like Bangladesh undergoing political transitions, Daniel advises focusing on high-impact sectors like public procurement to build transparency and trust.

7. Fighting State Capture: Addressing corruption at the highest levels requires systemic change, from legal reforms to digital transparency measures.

8. A Call for Global Action: Daniel emphasizes the need for democratic countries to block dirty money inflows and support global anti-corruption initiatives.

Join us in this compelling conversation with Daniel Eriksson as we explore the complexities of corruption and the tools we need to fight it.

Follow our host (@iwaheedo) for more insights on governance, transparency, and global development.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

 

(02:12) - What is Transparency International and how does it fight global corruption?

 

(03:07) - Is rooting out corruption the key to solving challenges in emerging markets?

 

(07:05) - What separates legal lobbying from political power hijacking and corruption?

 

(09:37) - How is the Corruption Perceptions Index constructed and what is it used for?

 

(12:00) - Is there a link between corruption, lack of democracy, and weak institutions?

 

(16:26) - Has global corruption increased, decreased, or remained the same over the past century?

 

(18:05) - What is the cause of state capture corruption?

 

(19:31) - How are emerging technologies reshaping the fight against corruption?

 

(22:30) - Is blockchain transforming anti-corruption efforts with smart contracts and transparency?

 

(29:08) - Can online tendering reduce corruption by increasing transparency?

 

(30:30) - What government data should be open or closed to minimize corruption?

 

(33:02) - Are large language models (LLMs) being used to combat corruption?

 

(39:02) - Is the future of anti-corruption driven by grassroots citizen efforts or top-down government initiatives?

 

(39:52) - What advice would you give to leaders of transition countries fighting corruption?

 

(44:38) - Does systemic anti-corruption reform focus on laws, people, or processes?

 

(47:49) - How can democratic leaders manage opposing forces when tackling systemic corruption?

 

(49:25) - How effective are anti-corruption commissions in fighting systemic corruption?

 

(52:12) - Could a national public dashboard of KPIs and finances revolutionize government transparency?

 

(57:09) - Do global north countries have incentives to stop illicit money inflows from corrupt elites?

 

(59:50) - Outro

 

#30 - Dr. Rumman Chowdhury - How to Fix AI Before It's Too Late?

We're joined by the US Science Envoy for AI, Dr.Rumman Chowdhury, who's a leading expert in responsible AI. We uncover the ethical, technical, and societal implications of artificial intelligence.

As AI rapidly eats up the world, the question is what happens when it doesn’t align with human values? How do we navigate the risks of bias, misinformation, and hallucination in AI systems?

Dr. Chowdhury has been at the forefront of AI governance, red teaming, and AI risk mitigation. She has worked with global institutions, governments, and tech companies to make AI more accountable, safe, and equitable.

From her time at Twitter’s (now X) Machine Learning Ethics Transparency and Accountability team to founding Humane Intelligence, she has actively shaped policies that determine how AI interacts with human society.

We dive deep into:

- AI bias, disinformation, and manipulation: How AI models inherit human biases and what we can do about it.

- Hallucinations in AI: Why generative AI models fabricate information and why it’s not a bug but a feature.

- AI governance and regulation: Why unchecked AI development is dangerous, and the urgent need for independent audits.

- The risks of OpenAI, Meta, and big tech dominance: Who is really in control of AI, and how can we ensure fair oversight?

- How companies should approach AI ethics: Practical strategies businesses can use to prevent harm while innovating responsibly.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. AI as a Tool, Not a Mind:
Dr. Rumman Chowdhury debunks the myth that AI is alive or sentient. AI is a tool—just like a hammer—it can be used to build or destroy. The real issue isn’t AI itself, but how humans choose to use it.

2. Why AI Hallucinations Are Unavoidable:
Unlike traditional machine learning models, generative AI doesn’t compute facts; it predicts what words statistically fit together. This means hallucinations—where AI completely fabricates information—are not a flaw, but an inherent feature of how these models work.

3. The Hidden Biases in AI Models:
AI models are only as good as their training data, which often reflects human biases. Dr. Chowdhury discusses how AI systems unintentionally amplify biases in hiring, finance, and law enforcement, and what needs to be done to fix it.

4. The Illusion of AI Objectivity:
Many assume AI models are neutral, but the truth is that all models are built with human input, which means they carry subjective biases. Dr. Chowdhury warns that the real danger is allowing a handful of tech elites to dictate how AI shapes global narratives.

5. The Need for AI Red Teaming & Auditing:
Just like cybersecurity stress tests, AI models need independent stress tests to identify risks before they cause harm. Dr. Chowdhury shares her experience leading global AI red teaming exercises with scientists and governments to assess AI’s real-world impact.

6. OpenAI and the Power Problem:
Is OpenAI truly aligned with public interest? Dr. Chowdhury critiques how AI giants hold more power than entire nations and explains why AI must be treated as a public utility rather than a corporate monopoly.

7. Why AI Needs More Public Oversight:
Most AI governance is self-imposed by the companies that build these models. Dr. Chowdhury calls for third-party, independent AI audits, similar to financial auditing, to ensure transparency and accountability in AI decision-making.

8. The Role of Governments vs. Private AI Firms:
With AI development largely controlled by private companies, what role should governments play? Dr. Chowdhury argues that governments must create AI Safety Institutes, set up national regulations, and empower independent researchers to hold AI accountable.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Rumman Chowdhury and AI ethics

(03:03) - Why AI is just a tool (and how it’s being misused)

(04:58) - The difference between machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI

(07:43) - Why AI hallucinations will never fully go away

(11:46) - AI misinformation and the challenge of verifying truth

(13:26) - The ethical risks of OpenAI and Meta’s control over AI

(18:20) - The role of red teaming in stress-testing AI models

(30:26) - Should AI be treated as a public utility?

(35:43) - Government vs. private AI oversight—who should regulate AI?

(37:22) - The case for third-party AI audits

(53:51) - The future of AI governance and accountability

(61:03) - Closing thoughts and how AI can be a force for good

Join us in this deep dive into the world of AI ethics, accountability, and governance with one of the field’s top leaders.

 

Follow our host (@iwaheedo) for more insights on technology, civilization, and the future of AI.

#29 - Faisal Ali Rashid - How Dubai Aims To Implement Net-Zero : Lessons For the World

We welcome Faisal Ali Rashid, Sr. Director at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, to learn from Dubai's ambitious drive toward achieving net zero by 2050. Faisal, a leader in energy strategy and sustainability, oversees programs transforming Dubai’s approach to energy, water, and waste management, setting a new standard for urban sustainability in the region.

We were also joined by our friend on the podcast, Tushar Narula - a sustainability advisor and a climate change expert whose work has spanned different continents, industries, and top institutions like UC Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, & Imperial College London. 

In this episode, Faisal shares Dubai’s comprehensive strategies for renewable energy and demand-side management, revealing key milestones like achieving 25% renewable energy in the total energy mix and aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2050. He explains not only the WHAT but HOW Dubai plans to achieve these in detail.

We also discuss the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy’s regulatory framework, incentive programs, and innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) that fund green projects, including the groundbreaking Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Faisal highlights the role of community involvement and youth leadership in advancing sustainability, describing how the Advancing Net Zero initiative empowers the next generation to contribute to Dubai’s climate goals.

All the topics covered in the episode:

-Dubai’s Renewable Energy Goals: Achievements and future targets toward 100% renewable energy.

-Demand-Side Management: Reducing consumption and increasing energy efficiency.

-Policy and Financial Incentives: How Dubai fosters sustainable development through strategic regulations and PPPs.

-Innovation and Technology: Cutting-edge projects in solar, smart metering, and energy storage.

-Community and Youth Engagement: The role of education and volunteerism in driving net-zero progress.

Join us as we dive into Dubai’s pioneering efforts to build a sustainable, net-zero future with one of its leading energy strategists.

Follow our host, Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:30) - Faisal’s background and Dubai’s sustainability journey

(03:58) - Demand-side management and green building initiatives

(05:47) - Dubai’s renewable energy milestones and 2050 goals

(09:38) - Policy and incentives driving green transition in the middle east

(18:43) - The role of PPPs in funding sustainability projects

(24:12) - Dubai’s innovation in energy storage and technology

(32:33) - Key lessons for global cities on climate action

(38:33) - Youth and community involvement in net-zero goals

(41:28) - Outro

#28 - Denis Noble - Why The Last 80 Years of Biology Was Wrong & What Does it Mean For Us?

We're joined by Dr. Denis Noble, Professor Emeritus of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford, and the father of 'systems biology'. He is known for his groundbreaking creation of the first mathematical model of the heart's electrical activity in the 1960s which radically transformed our understanding of the heart.

Dr. Noble’s contributions have revolutionized our understanding of cardiac function and the broader field of biology. His work continues to challenge long-standing biological concepts, including gene-centric views like Neo-Darwinism.

In this episode, Dr. Noble discusses his critiques of fundamental biological theories that have shaped science for over 80 years, such as the gene self-replication model and the Weissmann barrier. He advocates for a more holistic, systems-based approach to biology, where genes, cells, and their environments interact in complex networks rather than a one-way deterministic process.

We dive deep into Dr. Noble's argument that biology needs to move beyond reductionist views, emphasizing that life is more than just the sum of its genetic code. He explains how AI struggles to replicate even simple biological systems, and how biology’s complexity suggests that life’s logic lies not in DNA alone but in the entire organism.

The conversation covers his thoughts on the flaws of Neo-Darwinism, the influence of environmental factors on evolution, and the future of biology as a field that recognizes the interaction between nature and nurture. We also explore the implications of his work for health and longevity, and how common perspectives on genetics might need rethinking.

All the topics we covered in the episode:

-The critique of Neo-Darwinism and the future of evolutionary theory.

-Systems biology: Understanding life beyond the gene.

-The complexity of biology: Why reductionism falls short.

-Evolution and inheritance: The role of environment in shaping species.

-Health implications of Dr. Noble’s work: Longevity, lifestyle, and the limits of genome-based predictions.

Join us for a thrilling discussion on the future of biology, evolution, and the practical implications for health and science.

Follow our host, Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(03:04) - Why Was The Last 80 Years of Biology Wrong?

(08:17) - Where does Logic come from?

(13:03) - Is Evolution Truly Random or Driven by Purpose?

(22:05) - Is Nurture more important than Nature?

(29:06) - Denis Noble calls for a rewrite of all Biology textbooks

(32:48) - Is Neo-Darwinism Just a Model? Understanding the Difference Between Evolution and the Creationism Debate

(39:22) - Natural Selection vs. Lamarckian Evolution: How Darwin Changed Our Understanding of Survival Traits

(46:03) - Reductionism vs. Integrationism in Science: How the 'Third Way' Challenges Neo-Darwinism

(49:43) - What Does Epigenetics Mean for the Average Person? How Denis Noble's Paradigm Shift Impacts Everyday Health and Life?

(69:29) - Is Western Science Facing a Paradigm Shift? Rethinking How We Determine Truth and Health in Light of Eastern and Western Influences

(75:21) - Why Reductionism Dominates Science: The Political and Practical Challenges of Embracing a Systems Biology Approach

(82:49) - Can We Trust AI to Behave Ethically? The Need to Connect Philosophy with Technology in AI Development

(86:46) - Outro