Category Archives: Technology and innovation

The Coming Revival of the American Chestnut (but through Genetic Engineering?)

A regulatory decision by a small USDA agency on the American Chestnut could have major ramifications for genetic engineering.

State of Big Tech 2022: Dismantling National & Global Digital Enclosures

From fintech to food systems to social media, the State of Big Tech offers a blueprint for the 99% to break privatized status-quo enclosures.

Top Antitrust Expert: We Need a New Approach to Giant Tech Firms Like Google

A leader in competition and antitrust warns that ever-expanding tech giants raise concerns about the extent of their power.

Two Ways of Looking at a Blue Bird: What’s Really Going on at Twitter?

Twitter’s upcoming stress test at the World Cup, Twitter’s software, and the players in the Twitter drama.

As Gig Economy Grows, Its Toll on Workers Mounts

Democrats help the gig economy expands its reach as it brings pain and suffering to more American workers.

Is The IEA Too Optimistic About The Energy Transition?

The IAE says the Ukraine War and the energy crisis are speeding up the global energy transition, but a closer look shows there are reasons to be doubtful.

Advertise on a Competitor’s Social Media Platform? Um, that Would Be a Hoot… GM “Paused” Ads on Musk’s Twitter

GM wants to have a look-see about how Twitter might use GM ad data to benefit Tesla. Will Chinese walls be enough?

How Cloud Services Allow Tech Titans to Act as Knowledge and Information Gatekeepers

Regulators largely ignore the cloud services industry, despite high concentration, lack of transparency, and potential for predation.

The Scientific Response to COVID-19: What Does the Biomedical Literature Say?

A look at what passes for research on Covid, and how we got there.

The U.S. Power Grid Can’t Support Its Climate Pledges

Will a smart grid alleviate US power woes?

A New US Data Privacy Bill Aims To Give You More Control Over Information Collected About You – and Make Businesses Change How They Handle Data

A new data privacy law is in the works, at least in part due to more stringent rules in Europe. But could it have unintended side effects?

China as a Developmental State: Indigenous Innovation and Global Competition

China chose a successful technological development path, in contrast to the corporate financialization model in the United States.