Rethinking the cost of developing technology

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There is a gap in deciding who should bear the cost of developing non-commercializable technology. Large corporate bodies often take on these costs, with the potential to lobby the government for a return. However, it may be more efficient for a lean government agency to develop such technology for its own sake. Once feasibility is demonstrated, others tend to reverse engineer and replicate the advances.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the US can address challenges like education and healthcare spending. They also touch on the feasibility and potential drawbacks of implementing UBI amidst concerns about political power dynamics and economic sustainability. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.

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LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) Deep Dive into DARPA

(03:27) The Impact of DARPA on the Economy

(06:02) The Future of DARPA and its Influence

(10:43) The Effectiveness of Term Limits

(12:19) The Autonomy and Flexibility of DARPA

(23:41) Sponsor: Shopify

(25:16) The Power and Limitations of the President

(28:47) The Potential for Government Efficiency

(32:57) Tackling Healthcare and Education Challenges

(48:10) The Impact of Regulatory Capture

(51:47) Closing Thoughts on Government Efficiency

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.