
The Innovation and Diffusion Podcast
Our podcast aims to generate easily accessible and engaging academic discussions on innovation and diffusion. We interview the leading thinkers around the world on new technologies and the way they change our world and economy.
Hosts: Ruveyda Gozen (@ruveyda_gozen) and John Van Reenen (@johnvanreenen)
The Economic and Social Research Council funds this podcast through the Programme on Innovation and Diffusion (POID) at LSE.
Latest episodes

Jan 22, 2024 • 35min
S1 E7: Lost Talents, Inequality, and Innovations with Xavier Jaravel from LSE
Xavier Jaravel discusses lost talents like Einsteins, the link between inequality and innovation, and how inflation impacts them. The podcast explores ways to uncover untapped talent, the importance of inclusive education, and the role of mentorship in inspiring students towards STEM fields.

Jan 2, 2024 • 50min
S1 E6: Corporate Giants, Patent Trolls, and Litigation Wars with Naomi Lamoreaux from Yale University
In this episode, our guest is Naomi Lamoreaux from Yale University. We dive into history to talk about big corporations, patent trolls and sharks, and litigation wars between companies! Take a look at this episode and let us know your thoughts @POID_cast on X or email us at lsepoidcast@gmail.com!
Hosts: Ruveyda Gozen (@ruveyda_gozen) and John Van Reenen (@johnvanreenen)
02:55 Patents or Prizes for Innovations?
07:07 Litigation Wars and Property Rights
11:10 Who are Patent Trolls?
19:24 Standard Oil Company, Innovations, Mergers
28:55 What Does an Ideal Patent System Look Like?
38:04 Cheezy Questions! Any Strategies to Publish a Paper?
43:12 Mean (!) Comments by Referees

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
S1 E5: Production and Growth of Knowledge with Ben Jones from Northwestern University
Ben Jones from Northwestern University discusses the evolution of knowledge production in teams, impact of COVID on research interactions, immigration's influence on entrepreneurship, and the analysis of age on entrepreneurial success. The episode also explores alternative career paths and challenges in academia.

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h
S1 E4: Medical Innovations, Patents, and Exclusivities with Heidi Williams from Dartmouth College
Join the hosts as they chat with Heidi Williams, a prominent figure in innovation economics. They delve into medical innovations, challenges in cancer research, the role of patents, and navigating team dynamics in scientific research. Heidi shares valuable insights on policies, incentives, and maintaining work-life balance in academia.

Oct 30, 2023 • 58min
S1 E3: Unorthodox Methodologies on Innovation with Petra Moser from NYU Stern
In this episode, we talk about new or unorthodox ways of measuring innovation with Petra Moser. Are patents a necessary condition for innovation? Which one is better: a patent system or secrecy? How does immigration affect innovations? How does motherhood affect productivity? And her experience and suggestions as an economist and economic historian. Let us know what you think!
Email: lsepoidcast@gmail.com
X: @POID_cast
Hosts: Ruveyda Gozen (@ruveyda_gozen) and John Van Reenen (@jvanreenen)

Oct 16, 2023 • 51min
S1 E2: Science, Superstar Scientists, and Innovation with Pierre Azoulay from MIT
MIT professor Pierre Azoulay discusses the relationship between science and technology, the impact of superstar scientists, and policies for encouraging innovation. Topics include interdisciplinary vs. pluridisciplinary research, the production function of science, and whether science progresses one funeral at a time.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 10min
S1 E1: Economics of Creative Destruction with Ufuk Akcigit from the University of Chicago
Economist Ufuk Akcigit discusses creative destruction, defensive innovation, and market power impact on innovation. They explore barriers in developing economies, potential research questions, and green innovation. The conversation includes insights on superstar firms and the diffusion of innovation, with a focus on Robert Lucas and ups and downs in the field.

Sep 24, 2023 • 19min
S1 E0: What is the Innovation and Diffusion Podcast?
Welcome to the Innovation and Diffusion Podcast! In this episode, we introduce what this podcast is about, why we do this podcast, and give you a quick glimpse of what's awaiting you in the upcoming episodes! For any comments and suggestions, please email us at lsepoidcast@gmail.com or Twitter @POID_cast
Hosts: Ruveyda Nur Gozen (@ruveyda_gozen) & John Van Reenen (@johnvanreenen)
The Economic and Social Research Council funds this podcast through the Programme on Innovation and Diffusion (POID) at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
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