Joel MokyrEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

The Clip dives into an in-depth conversation about the percentage of population that drives growth and development in a society, often termed as 'the intellectual lead.' The presence of these people across societies, the factors that may prevent them from contributing, and influences from education and political systems are key focus areas in the discussion. The role of culture, including its capacity for change and the significance of pluralism are also examined. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Small Number 00:30 The Role of Education and Society in Nurturing Creativity 01:14 The Barriers to Unleashing Creative Potential 01:40 The Struggle for Intellectual Freedom in Different Societies 02:46 The Importance of Pluralism and Challenging Established Knowledge 03:32 The European Enlightenment and the Desanctification of Past Knowledge 04:53 The Difficulty of Overcoming Established Knowledge Systems 06:07 The Act of Rebellion in Knowledge Creation 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.

Joel discusses the importance of Information and communication technology and its role in economic prosperity. He explores how nations can foster a spirit of tech creativity and emphasizes that it's not merely a financial matter. Joel criticizes the limitations of intellectual property (IP) rights systems but recognizes the flow of knowledge across borders. Using China and India as examples, he explains how they've taken existing Western knowledge and improved on it. Joel argues that to be technologically creative and successful, a society must embrace nonconformity and pluralism, allowing for unconventional ideas to flourish. Using historical examples like the Soviet Union's technological stagnation and Israel's culture of 'thinking outside the box', Joel suggests that autocratic regimes may struggle in the long-term technological race due to the repression of free thinking. He concludes that fostering a culture of tolerating and experimenting with crazy ideas is crucial to technological advancement. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 00:00 The Importance of Tech Creativity in Economic Prosperity 00:40 The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Tech Creativity 01:14 The Asian Tigers: A Case Study in Tech Creativity 02:26 The Importance of Nonconformity and Pluralism in Tech Creativity 03:02 The Failure of the Soviet Union in Technological Leadership 03:51 The Power of Crazy Ideas in Tech Innovation 04:17 The Potential Downfall of China's Technological Race 04:48 The Role of Free Speech in Tech Creativity 05:07 Israel: A Culture of Nonconformity and Tech Success 06:09 The Importance of Tolerance in Fostering Tech Creativity 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. #techgameboy #EconomicProsperity#TechCreativity#RnD#IntellectualProperty#PatentSystem#AsianTigers#KnowledgeTransfer#Innovation#SocietyCreativity#Pluralism#Nonconformity#AutocraticRegimes#SovietUnion#TechnologicalLeadership#ChinaTech #Tolerance#InnovativeCulture

The Clip dives into an in-depth conversation about the percentage of population that drives growth and development in a society, often termed as 'the intellectual lead.' The presence of these people across societies, the factors that may prevent them from contributing, and influences from education and political systems are key focus areas in the discussion. The role of culture, including its capacity for change and the significance of pluralism are also examined. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Small Number 00:30 The Role of Education and Society in Nurturing Creativity 01:14 The Barriers to Unleashing Creative Potential 01:40 The Struggle for Intellectual Freedom in Different Societies 02:46 The Importance of Pluralism and Challenging Established Knowledge 03:32 The European Enlightenment and the Desanctification of Past Knowledge 04:53 The Difficulty of Overcoming Established Knowledge Systems 06:07 The Act of Rebellion in Knowledge Creation 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.

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.

Joel Mokyr takes a deep dive into history, tracing back from the agricultural revolution to the advent of technology in the modern era, Joel highlight major periods like agriculture, colonization, capitalism, and technology. Special focus is given to the transition from hunter gatherer societies to agriculture driven societies, with the latter catalyzing the emergence and complexity of modern civilization. The roles of specialization and division of labor during periods like the Roman Empire and the Song and Tang Dynasties in China are also explored, emphasize how regional and individual specializations, along with trade, led to the prosperity of these regions and increased agricultural productivity, making a point that trade is a positive sum game that makes both sides richer. Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8 (Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV0 00:00 Introduction: A Journey Back in Time 00:16 The Advent of Agriculture: The Birth of Modern Society 01:33 The Role of Specialization and Division of Labor in Pre-Industrial Societies 01:51 Case Studies: The Roman Empire and China's Tang and Song Dynasties 03:09 The Power of Trade: How it Shapes Nations 03:38 The Positive Sum Game: The Mutual Benefits of 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. #History#Agriculture#IndustrialRevolution#GlobalTrade #Specialization #Colonization#Capitalism#Technology#Economics#DivisionOfLabor#Prosperity#AncientCivilizations#TradeRoutes#CulturalExchange#Innovation

In Part 2 of 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 describes the uniqueness of the European experience that leads to the Industrial Revolution, and derives key insights to explain how a culture of nonconformism can be encouraged in a society.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.They debate the question of whether AI will be a great equalizer or whether it will create more tech monopolies? Mokyr highlights the return of the Single Entrepreneur, comparing and contrasting the Musks, Bezos, Gates and Zuckerbergs of today with the Carnegies, Rockefellers and Morgans of the Gilded Age.The episode ends with Joel Mokyr’s book and podcast guest recommendations.*About the Podcast*The Great Tech Game podcast, with Anirudh Suri, brings you smart, insightful, big picture conversations on geopolitics, technology, business, and history with the world’s top thinkers and leaders. #AnirudhSuri : Managing Director, India Internet Fund; Author, The Great Tech Game: Shaping Geopolitics and the Destinies of Nations (HarperCollins, 2022); and Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: www.anirudhsuri.comBook and Podcast: www.greattechgame.com Book Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38MyJoel Mokyr:Website: https://economics.northwestern.edu/people/directory/joel-mokyr.htmlBio: 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.He is the author of The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress, The British Industrial Revolution: An Economic Perspective, The Gifts of Athena: Historical Origins of the Knowledge Economy, and The Enlightened Economy: an Economic history of Britain, 1700-1850. His most recent book is A Culture of Growth, published by Princeton University Press in 2016. In 2006 he was awarded the biennial Heineken Prize by the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences for a lifetime achievement in historical science. In 2015 he was awarded the Balzan Prize for Economic History, awarded once every twenty years. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a foreign fellow of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences.

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-EtfjGJbV0Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The Question of Wealth00:30 Adam Smith's Perspective on Wealth01:39 The Significance of the Industrial Revolution03:56 The Role of Technology in Economic Change06:40 The Concept of Useful Knowledge07:24 The Impact of Institutions and Resource Allocation08:02 The Success of Emerging Economies08:50 The Future of Global Economy: Knowledge and TradeIn 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.

Joel discusses the importance of Information and communication technology and its role in economic prosperity. He explores how nations can foster a spirit of tech creativity and emphasizes that it's not merely a financial matter. Joel criticizes the limitations of intellectual property (IP) rights systems but recognizes the flow of knowledge across borders. Using China and India as examples, he explains how they've taken existing Western knowledge and improved on it. Joel argues that to be technologically creative and successful, a society must embrace nonconformity and pluralism, allowing for unconventional ideas to flourish. Using historical examples like the Soviet Union's technological stagnation and Israel's culture of 'thinking outside the box', Joel suggests that autocratic regimes may struggle in the long-term technological race due to the repression of free thinking. He concludes that fostering a culture of tolerating and experimenting with crazy ideas is crucial to technological advancement.Full Episode Link (Part 1): https://youtu.be/iV21apDujg8(Part 2): https://youtu.be/j-EtfjGJbV000:00 The Importance of Tech Creativity in Economic Prosperity00:40 The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Tech Creativity01:14 The Asian Tigers: A Case Study in Tech Creativity02:26 The Importance of Nonconformity and Pluralism in Tech Creativity03:02 The Failure of the Soviet Union in Technological Leadership03:51 The Power of Crazy Ideas in Tech Innovation04:17 The Potential Downfall of China's Technological Race04:48 The Role of Free Speech in Tech Creativity05:07 Israel: A Culture of Nonconformity and Tech Success06:09 The Importance of Tolerance in Fostering Tech CreativityIn 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.#techgameboy #EconomicProsperity#TechCreativity#RnD#IntellectualProperty#PatentSystem#AsianTigers#KnowledgeTransfer#Innovation#SocietyCreativity#Pluralism#Nonconformity#AutocraticRegimes#SovietUnion#TechnologicalLeadership#ChinaTech #Tolerance#InnovativeCulture

#TheGreatTechGamePodcast #AnirudhSuri #JoelMokyrThe Great Tech Game podcast, with Anirudh Suri, brings you smart, insightful, big picture conversations on geopolitics, technology, business, and history with the world’s top thinkers and leaders. 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 delve into history to answer this big question, explore the great games in history, including why the Roman Empire and the Chinese hit a ceiling in their growth.Arguing that knowledge and technology augment other factors of production such as land, labour and capital, Mokyr outlines why technology and useful knowledge can be expected to drive growth for long periods to come. They discuss the importance of understanding the science behind things, and how important R&D and fundamental research is in the evolution of an economy. The conversation also explores what makes a society creative and successful, and why China will lose the tech race to the US according to Mokyr. #Anirudh Suri: Managing Director, India Internet Fund; Author, The Great Tech Game: Shaping Geopolitics and the Destinies of Nations (HarperCollins, 2022); and Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Follow Anirudh here: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in Website: www.anirudhsuri.comBook and Podcast: www.greattechgame.com Book Links:Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri : https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38MyJoel Mokyr:The British Industrial Revolution: An Economic Perspective: https://amzn.eu/d/2Dd92KLThe Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress: https://amzn.eu/d/em6Vmd5The Gifts of Athena: Historical Origins of the Knowledge Economy: https://amzn.eu/d/7O862NlEnlightened Economy: https://amzn.eu/d/7qh8bf8Why Ireland Starved: A Quantitative and Analytical History of the Irish Economy: https://amzn.eu/d/7JU9VwNThe Enlightened Economy – An Economic History of Britian 1700–1850: https://amzn.eu/d/3PcZxmiTo learn more about Joel Mokyr and his work:Website: https://economics.northwestern.edu/people/directory/joel-mokyr.htmlChapters00:00 - 1:12 - Intro about Joel Mokyr1:13 - 08:19 - Why some societies get rich, others don’t?08:20 - 10:19 - Pre-Smithian Formula for Growth and Post-Smithian Formula10:20 - 12:02 - The Great Secret: How have Societies Transitioned from Emerging to Rich economies?12:42 - 16:46 - The Great Agri and Trade Game: The Case of the Roman Empire, China and the Mongols 16:47 - 20:08 - Why We Didn’t See an Industrial Revolution in China and Rome? 20:09 - 27:25 - How Knowledge and Technology Augments other Factors of Production23:10 - 27:56 - The Case of Nitrates and Phosphates and Agri Productivity, and why Nations were poor27:57 - 30:50 - The Case of Steel: The Importance of Understanding the Science behind Technology 30:32 - 35:11 - Advancements in Science and Technology: Will They Slow Down Anytime Soon? 33:51 - 35:40 - How AI and Genetic Technology can help develop Alternatives to Steel and Nitrates35:41 - 39:17 - The Importance of R&D and Fundamental Research, and How can Nations Cultivate an Innovation Culture?39:51 - 43:23 - What makes a society creative and successful, and why China will lose the tech race to the US?