Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Becoming a policy entrepreneur (with Tom Kalil)

Feb 15, 2023

In this engaging conversation, Tom Kalil, Chief Innovation Officer at Schmidt Futures, shares his extensive experience in shaping national science initiatives from his time in the White House. He discusses the concept of policy entrepreneurship and how individuals, even outside political offices, can drive change. Kalil digs into market shaping as a solution for social issues and the unique challenges of funding high-risk research. He also emphasizes the role of innovation in government and the necessity of strategic collaboration to tackle societal challenges effectively.

01:05:10

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Episode guests

Tom Kalil

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Navigating Policy Entrepreneurship

16min

Navigating Policy Implementation in Government

2min

Transforming Markets for Social Good

10min

Innovative Funding and Collaboration in Science

13min

Navigating High-Risk Research and Decision-Making Support

2min

Fostering Innovation in Science

13min

Exploring Innovative Roles in Government Service

5min

Read the full transcript here.

What is a "policy entrepreneur"? Can people become policy entrepreneurs if they're not already a political office holder? Aside from literally speaking to the POTUS, what are some ways that policy entrepreneurs can make progress on their goals? Why is it so hard for some people to articulate actionable plans that would accomplish their goals? What is market shaping? Why do some government departments have no budget for R&D?

Tom Kalil is Chief Innovation Officer at Schmidt Futures. In this role, Tom leads initiatives to harness technology for societal challenges, improve science policy, and identify and pursue 21st century moonshots. Prior to Schmidt Futures, Tom served in the White House for two Presidents (Obama and Clinton), helping to design and launch national science and technology initiatives in areas such as nanotechnology, the BRAIN initiative, data science, materials by design, robotics, commercial space, high-speed networks, access to capital for startups, high-skill immigration, STEM education, learning technology, startup ecosystems, and the federal use of incentive prizes. Follow him on Twitter at @tkalil2050.

Staff

Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director
Josh Castle — Producer
Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer
Uri Bram — Factotum
WeAmplify — Transcriptionists
Miles Kestran — Marketing

Music

Affiliates

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