The Great Tech Game, with Anirudh Suri: Smart conversations on Technology, Business and Geopolitics

In this clip, Joel mentions why the Roman Empire and China didn't experience an industrial revolution, attributing lack of progress to diminishing returns from established trade routes and specialized industries. Joel also highlights gains made by Europe when it started to integrate into a single large market in 1967, he emphasizes the role of knowledge gains and technological advancements, stating that they are sectors that don't seem to succumb to the law of diminishing returns. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 00:00 Why No Industrial Revolution in China or Roman Empire? 00:18 The Diminishing Returns of Trade and Specialization 00:54 The Power of Knowledge and Innovation 01:40 The Limitless Potential of Collective Intelligence 02:07 The Role of Technological Change in Historical Prosperity 02:38 The Stagnation of the Roman Empire and China 03:24 The Accelerating Pace of Progress in Europe In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't. Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation. Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype. About Joel Mokyr: Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare. #IndustrialRevolution #Trade#Specialization #EuropeIntegration #KnowledgeExpansion#ArtificialIntelligence #MaterialScience #MolecularBiology #TechnologicalBreakthroughs #Prosperity

Joel emphasizes the societal resistance to change, stating how individuals are shaped by their peers, teachers, and parents, who may deter them from questioning established norms. Joel elaborates that incentives can influence individuals to think creatively and devise innovative solutions. However, if society reacts negatively to such attempts, individuals might choose to stay quiet or move to places where their efforts are more appreciated. This dynamic contributes to the slow pace of cultural change. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Question of Wealth 00:30 Adam Smith's Perspective on Wealth 01:39 The Significance of the Industrial Revolution 03:56 The Role of Technology in Economic Change 06:40 The Concept of Useful Knowledge 07:24 The Impact of Institutions and Resource Allocation 08:02 The Success of Emerging Economies 08:50 The Future of Global Economy: Knowledge and Trade In this two-part episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri is joined by Joel Mokyr to dig deep into why some societies get rich, creative and successful while others don't. Mokyr and Suri discuss examples of countries that have unshackled themselves from their past, such as 19th century Japan during the Meiji Restoration and the East Asian tigers. They also explore how India can reverse its brain drain and become a tech nation, and not remain just a talent nation. Mokyr highlights the high levels of inequality being driven by the tech economy today, and both draw parallels with pre-WWI Europe and its experience with vast inequality driven by industrial capitalism. Jumping to the modern era, they discuss whether AI represents a new revolution in knowledge, or whether it is just hype. About Joel Mokyr: Joel Mokyr is Professor of Economics and History at Northwestern University. Joel Mokyr conducts research on the economic history of Europe, and specializes in the period 1750-1914. His current research is focused on the understanding of the economic and intellectual roots of technological progress and the growth of useful knowledge in European societies, as well as the impact that industrialization and economic progress have had on economic welfare.

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M In this discussion between Anirudh and George, the focus lies on the vital factors influencing technological adoption, including the investment of capital, nurturing of talent, and the necessity for sector and country-specific research to integrate innovations effectively. They spotlight the historic role of venture capital and infrastructure in disseminating transformative technologies like the internet. The conversation further explores the economic incentives driving the widespread adoption and cost reduction of technologies, aiming for universal access. Anirudh and George reflect on the potential consequences of a 'second great divergence', a phenomenon describing the growing economic disparities triggered by unequal technological progress, drawing parallels with the industrial revolution. They also examine India’s exemplary digital strides, which have democratized technology access, fostering economic uplift. 00:00 Exploring the Determinants of Technological Adoption 01:09 The Economic Impulse to Democratize Technology 02:46 Challenges and Hopes for Universal Access 03:52 Addressing the Second Great Divergence 05:01 Learning from India's Digital Transformation 06:02 The Geopolitical Landscape of AI Adoption 06:57 The Advantage of Early Adoption #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M In this conversation, Anirudh and George delve into the debate over open versus closed source AI development and its implications for global unity and conflict. At a recent global technology summit in Delhi, key figures from the Indian tech sphere, including Nandan Nelakani, discussed India's AI strategy, emphasizing the potential benefits of an open source model over the pursuit of large-scale proprietary AI models like those developed by OpenAI. The success of India's digital public infrastructure, like Aadhaar and the IndiaStack, is cited as influencing the country's approach towards a more open source AI strategy. Anirudh and George speculate on the future interplay of closed and open source models in AI development, suggesting a trend towards more open, cooperative models driven by the ethos of open source innovation. 00:00 Exploring the Open vs. Closed Source Debate in AI 00:37 Global Technology Summit Insights: India's AI Strategy 02:00 The Future of Large Language Models: Open Source vs. Closed Source 02:26 India's Tech Ethos and the Shift Towards Open Source AI 03:21 The Evolution of AI Models: From Closed to Open Source 04:43 The Interplay of Closed and Open Source in AI's Future #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M In this discussion, Anirudh and George delve into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing economic growth worldwide. According to investment research from Goldman Sachs, AI could potentially increase productivity by 1.5 percent, leading to a $7 trillion growth in global GDP. They explore the potential impacts of AI on economic output and growth, focusing on which sectors, countries, and segments of the workforce might see the most benefits. Through a detailed analysis of 900 occupations in the U.S., extended to a global context, the research suggests that task automation will primarily affect developed markets and knowledge work, including administrative, software development, operational, medical, and educational sectors. The conversation emphasizes the concept of AI as augmenting rather than replacing jobs, capable of automating tasks within jobs rather than the jobs themselves. 00:00 Exploring AI's Potential to Drive Economic Growth 00:31 Deep Dive into AI's Impact on Productivity and Global GDP 01:08 Insights from Investment Research on AI and Economic Output 01:43 The Future of Work: How AI Will Transform Jobs and Industries 02:50 AI's Role in Augmenting Jobs Rather Than Replacing Them 03:24 Comparing AI's Economic Impact to Historical Industrial Revolutions #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M In this discussion, Anirudh and George explore the concept of geopolitical swing states and extend it to the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) competition. They highlight the transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world, leading to the emergence of countries like India, which exhibit flexibility in aligning with global powers such as the US, China, or the EU on a case-by-case basis. Further, the concept is applied to AI, with countries potentially becoming swing states in generative AI competition based on their regulatory approaches and interests. The conversation also covers the idea of 'innovation blocks,' suggesting that countries might form regional groupings to advance their interests in AI, driven by the high capital and energy demands of scaling AI algorithms. The potential for cooperation among like-minded nations in developing AI, including sharing significant capital costs, is discussed, pointing towards new alliances and partnerships in the AI domain. 00:00 Exploring the Concept of Swing States in AI Competition 00:52 The Evolution of Geopolitical Swing States 03:32 Applying the Swing State Concept to AI 04:30 Innovation Blocks and Regional Groupings 06:06 The Future of Cooperation in AI Development #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M The discussion highlights the global impact and contributions of various countries to the generative AI field. They emphasize on India's significant role, credited to its intellectual capital, economic potential, and innovative approaches, particularly in digital advancements as pointed out by Anirudh. George mentions the academic leadership of England, France's historical and financial contributions, and the EU's regulatory efforts. The conversation also covers the technological expertise of countries like the Netherlands, South Korea, and Taiwan. Furthermore, it notes the United Arab Emirates for its achievements in Arabic language models and open-source development. Anirudh and George stress on generative AI as a global phenomenon that could foster competition yet hope it brings unifying effects among nations. 00:00 The Global Impact of Generative AI: Beyond the U.S. and China 00:16 India's Pioneering Role in the Innovation Ecosystem 00:50 The Digital Stack Initiatives: India's Path to AI Revolution 01:15 Global Leadership in AI: From England to the UAE 02:09 The Unifying Potential of Generative AI Across Nations #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M In a detailed conversation between Anirudh and George, the duo explores the global landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on the generative AI sector where the United States holds a leading position. The discussion highlights AI as a global phenomenon, with the US's leadership attributed to its foundational role in intellectual and semiconductor innovations, thanks to contributions from companies like Google and NVIDIA, and the dominance of US hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google in infrastructure provision. Despite the US's early lead, the conversation acknowledges the rapidly evolving nature of AI, predicting global diversification and innovation. The competitive landscape between the US and China is examined, noting China's strong AI capabilities despite challenges such as sanctions, export controls, and the need to align AI technologies with its social and political ideals. 00:00 The Global AI Race: US vs. The World 00:29 Generative AI: The US's Intellectual and Technological Edge 03:31 China's Unique Challenges in the AI Arena 04:14 The Unpredictable Nature of AI and China's Regulatory Approach 05:09 Can China Catch Up? The Ongoing US-China Tech Rivalry 06:00 China's Resilience and Innovation Despite Challenges 07:01 The Future of AI Competition and Collaboration #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

Link to the Main Episode: https://youtu.be/riXxhdBmC1M The conversation between Anirudh and George on the early stages of 'The Great AI Game', emphasizes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global competition across markets and nations. They delve into the strategic investments by tech firms and countries in AI, highlighting the significant socioeconomic and geopolitical implications, particularly of generative AI. Anirudh and George explore AI's potential to profoundly affect economics, productivity, defense, culture, and the global competitive landscape. The discussion reflects on the urgency and complexity of thought leadership in navigating this transformative era. 00:00 The Dawn of the Great AI Game: Navigating New Competitive Dynamics 00:53 The Rush of Tech Firms and National Strategies in AI 01:26 Exploring the Geopolitics of AI: A Timely Discussion 01:41 Reflecting on the Evolution of AI and Its Global Impact 02:59 Generative AI: A Game-Changer for Nations and Global Markets #AI #technology #geopolitics #business In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My George Lee Article: About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html

In this comprehensive episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, Anirudh Suri and guest, George Lee, delve into the convergence of technology, geopolitics, business, and innovation through the lens of the emerging generative AI revolution. They discuss the current landscape of global AI competition, highlighting the US's early lead, China's formidable presence, and the potential contributions of other nations, including India's open data approach. Lee, from his executive position at Goldman Sachs and extensive academic and professional background, shares insights on the formation of the Applied Innovation Group, aimed at driving thought leadership and innovation within the firm, motivated by the seismic shifts in geopolitics and technology. The conversation also explores the geopolitical 'AI swing states,' the influence of open vs. closed source AI models, and the historical parallels that might help predict the future of AI's impact on business models and economic growth. Throughout, they underscore the necessity of conscious technology development that augments human potential and fosters equitable growth, while also considering the implications of AI on job market dynamics, the importance of broad AI adoption, and strategies nations might employ during these formative 'Inter AI years' to secure their place in the future AI-driven world. About George Lee: https://www.goldmansachs.com/about-us/people-and-leadership/leadership/management-committee/george-lee.html 01:00 Introduction 02:47 The Role of Applied Innovation Group 04:09 The Intersection of Technology, Geopolitics, and Business 04:49 The Geopolitics of AI 06:51 The Global AI Competition 09:14 The Role of Different Countries in AI Development 21:42 The Future of AI: Open Source vs Closed Source 28:59 Understanding AI as an Operating System or Application 30:34 The Concept of Swing States in AI Competition 31:26 Understanding Geopolitical Swing States 32:03 The Rise of China and its Global Impact 34:05 The Concept of AI Swing States 35:03 The Role of Innovation Blocks in Geopolitics 38:15 AI and Economic Growth: A Macro Perspective 38:45 The Impact of AI on Economic Output and Growth 47:07 The Interplay of AI, Capital, and Talent 55:03 The Concept of Inter AI Years and its Opportunities 56:56 The Risks and Opportunities for Businesses in the AI Era 58:49 The Future of AI: A Discussion on Adoption and Democratization Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/) Book Links: Anirudh Suri: The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My #ArtificialIntelligence,#AIstrategy,#GenerativeAI,#Geopolitics,#GlobalAICompetition,#OpenSourceAI,#EconomicGrowth,#TechInnovation,#InterAIyears,#AIadoption