Author Archives: Christian Hampel

Will tech platforms harm or help us in emergencies? When unicorns meet circuit breakers

Will tech platforms harm or help us in emergencies? When unicorns meet circuit breakers

When disaster hits, unicorns – the world’s leading tech platforms – can decide about life and death. Social circuit breakers could ensure that they take us out of the line of fire. People love unicorns. Until they hate them. Under normal circumstances, we admire these mythical creatures that can seemingly defy gravity and prevent danger.… Read more

How can we keep innovations social? The case of anaesthetics and lethal injections

How can we keep innovations social? The case of anaesthetics and lethal injections

Social innovations come in all kinds of shapes and sizes but they are rarely black and white. Despite the positive intention behind them, they sometimes end up being used counter to their purpose. The good news is that under two circumstances activists are likely to succeed in righting this wrong. Anaesthetising the social? Anaesthetics are… Read more

This time is different? Think again.

This time is different? Think again.

Why history is still the greatest teacher when it comes to tackling social transformations. Apparently this time is different. Changes in technology or society are marshalled to explain why our generation faces uniquely testing times. Be it the digital economy, the weakening of the nation-state, or the redefinition of the family – all are apparently… Read more