Marga Hoek, CEO of Business for Good, discusses the potential of technology for solving global challenges and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. They explore the concept of sustainability and the fourth Industrial Revolution, highlighting the necessity of businesses being profitable and sustainable. Examples of advanced materials, AI, data, 3D printing, robotics, and the use of 3D printing to restore coral reefs are discussed.
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Quick takeaways
Technology can be a force for good in solving the world's greatest challenges and businesses can be profitable while embracing sustainability.
Sustainability should be profitable on its own, with rules and regulations serving to support and align with sustainable business practices.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Technology and Sustainability
In this podcast episode, Marga Hoke, chief executive officer and author of the book 'Tech for Good,' discusses the importance of bringing together technology and sustainability. She emphasizes that businesses can be both profitable and progressive on sustainability, which strengthens their competitive positions. Hoke explains that technology can be a force for good and highlights the need to embrace its potential to solve the world's challenges. She shares examples of companies that are already doing good through technology, but acknowledges the importance of regulations to prevent misuse or faulty advice.
The Potential of Technology to Solve Global Challenges
Hoke believes that technology, when combined with collective efforts and investments, can achieve more than we currently understand. She discusses the limitless possibilities of technology, citing Google's DeepMind AI's prediction of stable materials and the unknown technological breakthroughs they can enable. Hoke advocates for using technology to address medical advancements, tackle climate change, and close the digital divide. While she acknowledges that there are risks and challenges associated with technology, she encourages a balanced perspective that focuses on its potential for good.
Bringing Sustainability and Profitability Together
Hoke emphasizes that sustainability should go beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations. She argues that sustainable business practices need to be profitable on their own, and rules and regulations should only serve to support and align with those practices. Hoke states that businesses need to take responsibility for integrating sustainability into their operations. While she recognizes the role of policies and regulations in closing loopholes, she believes that businesses should be motivated by seeing the value and positive impact of sustainable practices.