Cecilia Rikap, an Associate Professor in Economics at University College London, examines the power dynamics of tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. She discusses how these companies create dependency through their cloud services, impacting startups and large firms alike. The conversation dives into the implications of generative AI for corporate power and the need for viewing cloud services as public utilities. Cecilia also advocates for data solidarity and collaboration to foster a more equitable tech landscape.

Cecilia Rikap, an Associate Professor in Economics at University College London, dives into the maze of cloud computing and AI's economic impact. She explores how generative AI is reshaping power dynamics among tech giants, enhancing their cloud dominance. Rikap also sheds light on how corporate pressure drives rapid AI adoption, influencing academic research and raising questions about control and profit in the tech-academia connection. Her insights reveal the complex interplay between innovation and corporate strategy in today’s tech landscape.

Cecilia Rikap, a political economist, discusses the connection between intellectual property, monopoly power, and the rise of Big Tech. Topics include the impact of intellectual monopoly capitalism, the geopolitical struggle between the US and China, and the concentration of intangible assets. The podcast explores the transformation of big tech companies, collective gatekeeping, and the need for comprehensive policies to address the issues surrounding big tech.