

Martin Wolf interviews Mariana Mazzucato: Can the state innovate?
55 snips Dec 30, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Mariana Mazzucato, a professor at University College London and a leading expert on mission-oriented policy, argues for a revitalized role of the state in innovation. She reflects on JFK's moon landing as a model for tackling large challenges today, like climate change and pandemics. Mazzucato critiques the myth of the solitary entrepreneur, advocating for government-led, collaborative initiatives to drive technological advancements. The conversation emphasizes the need for ambition and coordination in public policies to stimulate innovation.
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Kennedy's Moonshot
- In 1962, President Kennedy committed the US to landing on the moon within the decade.
- This ambitious goal spurred innovation and led to technologies like camera phones and baby formula.
The Entrepreneurial State
- Mariana Mazzucato's book The Entrepreneurial State challenges the myth of the private sector as the sole driver of innovation.
- She argues that the state plays a crucial, often overlooked, role.
Apple's Public Roots
- While Steve Jobs led Apple, its success relied on publicly funded technologies like the internet, GPS, and touchscreen.
- Mazzucato emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial systems, not just individual entrepreneurs.