HBR IdeaCast HBR Presents: Cold Call
May 2, 2019
Leslie John, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in consumer behavior, and Mitch Weiss, an expert in digital transformation, discuss Toronto's smart city initiatives driven by Sidewalk Labs. They delve into the complex relationship between urban innovation and privacy, highlighting the ethical implications of data usage. The conversation exposes the paradox of privacy, where people fear data loss yet share information for small rewards. The professors stress the need for public dialogue and transparent regulations to navigate these tensions in developing urban environments.
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LinkNYC Project
- Sidewalk Labs' LinkNYC project offered internet access and charging stations.
- Concerns arose about data collection and privacy, foreshadowing Toronto project issues.
Toronto's Goals
- Toronto sought to revitalize its waterfront Quayside area.
- They aimed to become an innovation hub, addressing urban problems like climate change and affordability.
Sidewalk Labs' Motives
- Sidewalk Labs' revenue model for Quayside remained unclear.
- Potential revenue streams included selling data access, using it as a showroom, or X-as-a-service models.