TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

At Re-Define, we are technological optimists, believing in the ability of technology to deliver vast improvements in human welfare. We work extensively to identify the most promising opportunities offered by emerging technologies including distributed ledgers, artificial intelligence, robotics, bioengineering and machine learning. We work on policy solutions that maximise the benefits society derives from technological change, while minimising the negative effects.

We also believe that technological innovation can be enhanced by good governance based on an evolving and responsive public policy framework. Without it, technological progress risks causing significant social disruption, rising economic inequality, financial instability, and political chaos.

To tackle the myriad of challenges that technological disruption may cause, Re-Define brings together an unmatched variety and quality of stakeholders, including tech entrepreneurs, civil society actors, ethicists, scientists, labour unions and policymakers to develop blueprints on what policy innovations will be needed to best respond to the fourth industrial revolution.

Just as society’s response to the industrial revolution included the introduction of income taxes, the construction of the welfare state and the rise of collective bargaining, societies will need big ideas to respond to the present bout of technological change. Basic citizen income and robot taxes are interesting, but mere starting points. In this programme Re-Define and our partners are embarking on an extensive search for the much bigger policy and societal responses needed.