The Great Tech Backlash

Several (perhaps overzealous) tech commentators have been drawing parallels between the dotcom bubble in the early 2000s and the rush of tech IPOs in 2019. It’s been a year that has sent the tech media into a tizzy, with words like “spigot” slinking out of the thesaurus (shoutout to Vox’s staff writers) and rightly so: 200 companies were expected to go public in 2019.

At the same time, new headlines each week link tech executives to sexual harassment, social media platforms to failed content moderation (too much, too little) and gig economy darlings to employee mistreatment. There seems to be a gulf between accelerated innovation-driven revenue and power, and the ethics and regulations that have trailed behind it.

This autumn, Chief Disruptor magazine will be exploring the most disruptive thing yet: humans. This issue is about power play and what it will take to balance out the competition.

A sneak peek of what’s inside:

• ACQUISITION SUSPICION: A RACE TO REINSTATE TECH DEMOCRACY

  Economic “bigness” has gone too far. Allowing tech giants to grow and absorb small competitors has squashed tech democracy, leaving society with a race to reinstate it.

• GADGET SAMPLE

  A snapshot of 3 funky new gadgets that you don't need, guaranteed to improve your life in some insignificant way

• DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS: PEOPLE VS. BOTS 

  By Barry Devlin, founder of 9sight Consulting, discusses new frameworks for AI-augmented decision-making

• LESSONS FROM HR 

  Group HR Director Ann Roberts provides an insight on her tricks of the trade at Magic Lab

• LIGHTING UP THE ENERGY MARKET

  In conversation with Clem Hobson, Head of Brand at Bulb, the 100% renewable energy company 

• THOUGHTS ON LEADING INNOVATION

  Richard Corbridge, Director of Innovation at Boots, reveals his toolbox for coaching innovation