Future Histories International

Cecilia Rikap on Intellectual Monopoly Capitalism and Corporate Power in the Age of AI

5 snips
Mar 16, 2025
Guest
Cecilia Rikap
Cecilia Rikap, Head of Research at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, discusses the concept of intellectual monopolies in technology and their impact on society. She critiques the myth of the lone tech entrepreneur, advocating for democratic approaches to innovation. The conversation explores how digital monopolies affect corporate planning and public services, while also envisioning alternative AI applications in healthcare that prioritize public good. Rikap emphasizes the importance of collaboration in creating technology for people and the planet.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Intellectual Monopoly Capitalism

  • Intellectual monopolies systematically turn intangibles like knowledge, narratives, and data into assets.
  • These assets are then used to capture value from other parts of society, extending control beyond ownership.
ANECDOTE

Big Pharma as Intellectual Monopoly

  • Big Pharma companies exemplify intellectual monopolies outside of tech.
  • They control key knowledge in drug development, enabling them to capture and profit from externally developed innovations.
INSIGHT

Cloud Hegemony

  • Cloud hegemons, like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, hold a unique position of power by controlling the cloud.
  • The cloud acts as a concentrated marketplace for digital technologies, forcing consumption and revenue sharing within their ecosystem.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app