In Age of Disruption, a Defense of Incrementalism
Summary
Evan Selinger and Albert Fox Cahn, authors of "Move Slow and Upgrade: The Power of Incremental Innovation," argue that society is excessively focused on disruptive innovation, often to its detriment. They advocate for an "upgrader's mindset," emphasizing careful deliberation and incremental improvements, particularly when disruptive changes pose significant social risks. The book challenges Silicon Valley's "move fast, break things" mantra, highlighting how many highly anticipated technological advancements, such as the Metaverse and certain AI applications, have failed to deliver promised benefits and instead created new problems like increased anxiety or job market instability. The authors contend that sustainable progress often comes from "boring", evidence-based, gradual upgrades, citing cybersecurity as an example of a field that prioritizes mitigating downside risks and building redundancy over seeking breakthrough changes.
Key takeaway
For Business Analysts and Policy Makers evaluating new technology investments, recognize that the "move fast, break things" ethos frequently leads to costly failures and social risks. Prioritize incremental, evidence-based upgrades that address clear problems and have demonstrable benefits, rather than chasing unproven, disruptive "moonshots." Your focus should be on sustainable, responsible development that considers long-term societal impact and user well-being, rather than succumbing to hype cycles.
Key insights
Over-reliance on disruptive innovation often leads to failure; incremental upgrades offer more sustainable, evidence-based progress.
Principles
- Prioritize problem-solving over solutionism.
- Beware of "fear of missing out" (FOMO) in tech adoption.
- Consult beneficiaries of products for genuine utility.
Method
Adopt an "upgrader's mindset" by focusing on gradual, evidence-based improvements, mitigating downside risks, and building redundancy, rather than pursuing unproven, disruptive "moonshots."
In practice
- Evaluate if a tech solution addresses a real problem.
- Avoid adopting tech solely due to industry hype.
- Consider the human impact of new technologies.
Topics
- Incremental Innovation
- Disruptive Innovation
- AI Ethics
- Surveillance Technology
- Cybersecurity
Best for: Policy Maker, AI Ethicist, Business Analyst
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Tech Policy Press.