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Future Histories International

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

Mar 16, 2025
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.
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Episode guests

Cecilia Rikap

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cecilia Rikap discusses how intellectual monopoly capitalism allows tech giants to convert intangible assets into monopolistic profits, undermining innovation narratives.
  • The dominance of cloud hegemons like Amazon and Microsoft compels businesses to rely on their technologies, fostering a dependency that affects their independence.

Deep dives

Understanding Intellectual Monopoly Capitalism

Intellectual monopoly capitalism involves leading corporations that can convert intangible assets such as knowledge and narratives into their own profit-generating resources. These corporations leverage their control over information and production processes to dominate various sectors, extending their influence beyond ownership alone. Unlike earlier forms of intellectual monopolies, which relied heavily on internal research and development, today's companies often co-create knowledge with external entities, including universities and startups, consolidating control over the entire innovation process. This shift creates a situation where firms can capture value from contributions made by others while maintaining the narrative that innovation stems solely from within.

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