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Outthinkers

#123—Christina Alaimo: The Hidden History of Data and its Role in Modern Strategy

Aug 9, 2024
Cristina Alaimo, an Assistant Professor of Digital Economy and Society at Guido Carli University in Rome, explores the profound influence of data on modern strategy. She uncovers its historical roots, tracing back to ancient clay tokens and how data has shaped our identities long before the tech boom. Alaimo delves into the evolution of business ecosystems, illustrating the need for leaders to adapt to new data-driven opportunities. The discussion challenges traditional views, urging a social science perspective on data's implications for society.
40:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Data has historically shaped societal structures and institutions, demonstrating its profound impact long before the digital age.
  • The evolving role of data within business ecosystems challenges traditional industry boundaries, enabling new value creation and innovative business models.

Deep dives

The Role of Data in Society

Data serves as a significant cognitive and communicative artifact that has been intrinsic to the development of society long before the advent of digital technology. Historical examples, such as the use of clay tokens for trade nearly 8,000 years ago, illustrate that data has always been vital for tracking transactions and facilitating exchanges. This establishes that data isn't merely a modern construct but a longstanding element that has shaped societal structures and institutions over time. Recognizing data's historical continuity allows for a deeper understanding of its transformative power in both businesses and social contexts.

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