Techquitable

Professor Eric Alston, a DRC Fellow specializing in economics and law, shares his insightful perspectives on decentralization in digital governance. He discusses the transformative impact of blockchains on constitutions and institutions. Alston highlights the balance between privacy rights and compliance, introducing zero-knowledge proofs as a key solution. He also emphasizes the need for equitable governance models that prioritize user needs in a hyper-connected world, advocating for a passion-driven approach to career growth in this evolving landscape.

Congressman Wiley Nickel (@RepWileyNickel) is currently serving his first term in Congress as the U.S. Representative of the 13th District of North Carolina which includes Wake, Wayne, Johnston and Harnett Counties. Prior to being elected to Congress, Wiley served as a North Carolina State Senator, attorney, small business owner and worked for two White House administrations. This conversation occurred at the 2024 Equitable Tech Summit, which the DRC co-hosted in Washington, D.C. 0:55 - Why does the Congressman engage in tech policy? 4:10 - How can policy balance innovation and consumer protection? 7:00 - Will President Joe Biden soften his stance on digital assets? 10:40 - The importance of decentralization 16:20 - How academics can best influence policy 23:35 - What does equitable ownership and governance mean to Congressman Wiley?

Nathan Schneider, an expert on decentralized governance, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the need for accountable structures in decentralized systems. He tackles the ethics and power dynamics in emerging tech, highlighting democracy's decline in the digital domain. The conversation also delves into the challenges of decentralization, including the illusions of power it creates and the complexities of governing decentralized organizations (DAOs). Schneider emphasizes the importance of viewing digital platforms as public goods to enhance equity and inclusivity.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce shares her perspective on innovation, securities law and blockchain technology, and whether the three can co-exist. Show highlights: 0:00 - Intro 4:57 - How should regulators approach emerging tech? 6:50 - The importance of open collaboration between industry, regulators, and the public. 8:30 - Leveraging social media for a new perspective.  10:47 - Commissioner Peirce defines decentralization.  11:54 - When decentralization is useful and when it isn't. 15:13 - Why talking about and implementing emerging technologies is so difficult. 17:36 - Developing a philosophy on governance and policy making. 19:42 - Balancing laissez-faire economics and strict regulation. 24:37 - Blockchain's intersection with regulation. 26:08 - Adapting to emerging technologies in the future. 28:58 - Inspiring policymakers and regulators to learn about emerging tech. 32:05 - Encouraging ethical innovation and mindful regulation.

Shrey Jain is a Research Fellow at the Decentralization Research Center and Technical Program Manager at Microsoft and Co-Founder of the Plural Technology Collaboratory at Microsoft Research. In this spotlight episode Shrey shares his work on artificial intelligence following his late 2023 publication of Contextual Confidence and Generative AI.

Ari Juels is the Weill Family Foundation and Joan and Sanford I. Weill Professor in the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech and the Technion and a Computer Science faculty member at Cornell University. He is a Co-Director of the Initiative for CryptoCurrencies and Contracts (IC3). He is also Chief Scientist at Chainlink Labs. He is the author of crypto thriller novel The Oracle (Talos Press).

Chris Giancarlo (@giancarloMKTS) is senior counsel and Co-Chair of the Willkie Digital Works practice in the firm’s New York office. Chris served as the thirteenth Chairman of the U.S. CFTC, where he oversaw regulation of the futures, options and swaps derivatives markets. Chris was also a successful entrepreneur, helping GFI Group Inc. grow into a leading trading platform while managing GFI’s successful private equity financing and IPO. In this conversation, Chris discusses the Digital Dollar Project, the history and future of money and the importance of instilling democratic values in the technology we use.

Welcome to the Techquitable podcast, your audio guide through the complex landscape of emerging technologies and equitable ownership. Hosted by Connor Spelliscy and Tony Douglas Jr. of the Decentralization Research Center, this podcast will host a diverse array of voices — from researchers and policy makers to forward-thinking entrepreneurs and industry leaders — to keep you informed on the latest findings and research. To receive the latest episode in your inbox, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.