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#82 – Tom Kalil on Institutions for Innovation (with Matt Clancy)
Dec 14, 2024
In this discussion, Tom Kalil, CEO of Renaissance Philanthropy and former White House advisor, alongside economist Matt Clancy, dive into the importance of innovation prizes and the art of ‘influence without authority’. They challenge the ambition level of ultra-wealthy philanthropy and ponder whether policy entrepreneurship can be formally taught. Kalil shares insights from his experience working with Gordon Moore, while Clancy highlights the pivotal role of young professionals in revitalizing U.S. state capacity and bridging research with actionable policy.
01:17:37
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Quick takeaways
- Tom Kalil emphasizes the importance of articulating ambitious goals alongside enabling technologies to attract talent and resources for innovation.
- The implementation of incentive prizes, as demonstrated by DARPA's self-driving car challenges, illustrates how structured mechanisms can mobilize innovation effectively.
Deep dives
Influence Through Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Science and technology policy can create positive self-fulfilling prophecies by first identifying significant goals that resonate with both policymakers and the public. The second component involves leveraging timely advancements in technology that make previously unattainable goals achievable. Tom Kalil illustrates this with an example from his discussions with a philanthropist regarding ALS, highlighting the convergence of genetic understanding, innovations like CRISPR, and advancements in drug delivery technology as a promising pathway for research. By articulating ambitious goals alongside the enabling technologies, it becomes possible to attract talent and resources toward achieving meaningful outcomes.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode