Is the Great Stagnation Over?
"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg
Intro
This chapter examines workforce productivity contrasts between Japanese and American workers, focusing on perceptions of American labor's inferiority. It also highlights the significance of rapid iteration in development, illustrated by SpaceX's innovative approach to engineering and risk management.
This week, economist Eli Dourado joins Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg to explore the concept of the Great Stagnation and whether it is over, the challenges of scaling in America, the role of governance in hindering progress, the role of new technology in productivity gains, and much more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist.
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist
Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj
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Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity
- Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks
- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822
- Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv
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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.
Sponsors: NETSUITE
NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite http://netsuite.com/102 and download your own customized KPI checklist.
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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co
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X / TWITTER:
@elidourado (Eli)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@noahpinion (Noah)
@Econ102_Podcast (Econ 102)
@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Episode Preview
(01:44) Perspectives on the Great Stagnation
(08:49) Scaling in the U.S.
(09:27) Copying Elon Musk
(15:36) NIMBYs
(18:48) SPONSOR: NETSUITE
(20:14) Our intolerance to risk
(25:23) The future of airplane manufacturing
(31:01) Indicators of the great stagnation
(33:09) Techno-optimism and socio-pessimism
(39:30) The future of home appliances and robots
(41:45) The Impact of mining and construction on productivity
(43:19) What about solar snergy?
(43:42) Role of government in technological progress
(55:26) The importance of overcoming obstacles
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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