#technologicalchange

[parthamajumdar]

Navigating Disruption: Why the AI Revolution Will Ultimately Benefit Humanity

Throughout history, humanity has faced significant transformations that reshape societies, economies, and individual lives. Each major revolution, despite its initial disruptions and challenges, has typically led to long-term improvements in human life. The ongoing development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies exemplifies another profound revolution in human history.…

[sebastianproba-author]

You're running... feeling the panting breath of technological changes catching up on your neck.

It was June 2023 when I began writing. Six months earlier, at the Infoshare AI conference, I had spoken about how the next AI winter probably wasn't coming, but that we were entering a time of stabilization—a period for realistically assessing the technology's capabilities beyond the hype. Two weeks later, a black swan flapped its wings across the world: ChatGPT.

I write. My novel is set in the near future. The technological threads and characters' fates intertwine in my imagination... while in the real world, in the present, the lightning-fast progress of technology makes me wonder if I'll manage to publish the book before it becomes outdated. I invent new concepts, only to later read that similar technological ideas are already being tested (at least I can tell myself that I came up with them independently, rather than borrowing them). The writing is going well, but I constantly feel it's too slow. So much is happening in AI that I start experiencing FOMO. I watch Wes Roth and Dave Shapiro to stay current, and that has to be enough.

In the second half of 2023, some experts say, "it's just statistics." Other experts speak of "sparks of AGI." Still others talk about evidence of representations... Fortunately, I'm not writing about LLMs... no, that wouldn't make sense—this technology will probably hit a ceiling soon... or will it? I write, now gripped only by mild FOMO, watching for the next black swans.

July 8, 2024 arrives, when I place the final period. The race is over. No, it's not over. There's still beta reading, editing, layout... I work, still watching for black swans. It will probably be okay. Voices around the world speak of a plateau in AI...

Now it really is the end. The book is in readers' hands. Whether it will disappoint, intrigue, or perhaps put them to sleep... that's beyond my control now. And black swans can fly wherever they want.

Fortunately, this isn't a book about AI ;) Although actually, it is.

"Mirrors We Don't Have"

[thxnews]

Strengthening Canada with Defence Vision

Amid the brisk change in global dynamics, Canada faces a pivotal moment in defining its future security posture and defence strategy. The world's increasing complexity, characterized by evolving security threats, climate change, and rapid technological advancements, demands a robust and forward-looking response from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).  

Our North, Strong and Free

The unveiling of "Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence" by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of National Defence Bill Blair signifies a significant leap forward in enhancing Canada's defense readiness. With an ambitious allocation of $8.1 billion over the next five years and an astounding $73 billion over the subsequent two decades, this policy initiative represents a pivotal juncture in Canada's dedication to bolstering its defense expenditure and strategic capacities. This investment unmistakably signifies progress towards fulfilling the NATO spending commitment of 2% of GDP, as Canada's defense spending to GDP ratio is poised to ascend to 1.76% by the 2029-30 timeframe.  

Enhancing the Canadian Armed Forces’ Capabilities

The foundation of this renewed vision lies in the solid groundwork laid by the 2017 defence policy, "Strong, Secure, Engaged," which set the course for a comprehensive enhancement of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The acquisition of new fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels represents significant milestones in modernizing and strengthening Canada's military capabilities. Furthermore, the 2022 investment of approximately $38 billion in modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) underscores a commitment to continental defence and cooperation with the United States.   Securing the Arctic and Global Engagement As the Arctic becomes more accessible due to climate change, the region's strategic importance cannot be overstated. The investments detailed in "Our North, Strong and Free" aim to equip the CAF with advanced maritime sensors, tactical helicopter capabilities, and support hubs to enhance sovereignty and security in the Arctic and the North. Additionally, the acquisition of airborne early warning aircraft will significantly bolster Canada’s capability to detect and respond to airborne threats in coordination with the United States. Beyond the Arctic, Canada's defence strategy embraces a global perspective, recognizing the role of the CAF in NATO's collective defence, providing military assistance to Ukraine, and increasing Canada's presence in the Indo-Pacific. This global stance reflects Canada's values of democracy, freedom, and international cooperation, with investments aiming to sustain the naval fleet, acquire satellite communication capabilities, and establish a joint Canadian cyber operations capability.   Prime Minister’s Vision and Commitment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Members of our Armed Forces serve our country with unwavering dedication. With today’s announcement, we’re strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces with transformative investments in equipment, capabilities, and talent. As we tackle the evolving challenges ahead, including protecting and defending the Arctic, these investments will keep Canada safe, secure, and prosperous.”   Minister of National Defence Bill Blair underscored the evolving landscape of the world and underscored the imperative of addressing emerging security challenges. Furthermore, he emphasized that this strategy represents a crucial advancement in meeting Canada's commitments to both its international partners and its citizens.   Investing in the CAF Members and the Defence Industrial Base At the heart of Canada’s defence strategy is the welfare of CAF members. Investments in housing, childcare, health care, and the recruitment of civilian specialists are testament to the government’s dedication to the well-being of those who serve. Moreover, the strategy envisions strengthening the Canadian Defence Industrial Base, with substantial investments in infrastructure, ammunition reserves, and procurement programs aimed at ensuring the CAF remains well-equipped and agile in the face of evolving challenges.  

A Vision for Our Future

"Our North, Strong and Free" is a comprehensive strategy that addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for future security and prosperity. It represents a commitment to uphold the values of democracy, peace, and fairness for future generations, ensuring they inherit a Canada that is safe and secure. This strategy is a testament to the nation's resolve to protect its sovereignty, support its troops, and maintain an active and constructive role on the global stage.   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article

[biglisbonnews]

Stung by Russian manipulation of power markets, the EU plans to triple renewables by 2030 In the wake of a year when consumer energy prices across Europe skyrocketed, making it difficult for some people to heat their homes or cook, the European Commission today announced a new power market plan with ambitious targets: phase out gas, the fossil fuel that underpins much of the bloc’s power production, and���Read more... https://qz.com/stung-by-russian-manipulation-of-power-markets-the-eu-1850224228

[aptechsfc-blog]

#10yearschallenge #Aptech #AptechSFC #CareerProgram #ACCP #ACCPPrime #AptechLearning #ShahraheFaisalCenter #TechnologicalChange #BuildingANation #Futuristic #IOT #IOS #Android #ComputerEducation #technology #improvement #status https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs7wRdPBnX-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1m3owk3cv8qm2

[darinboville]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darin Boville (@darinboville)

A detail from my static film, Typewriter #3. Typing on an old typewriter--and by "old" I mean around one hundred years old, is a different experience in unexpected ways. Just think. This was the first time you could write directly in a type. It was socially disruptive in its own way. Was it high class or low class to type? Would beautiful handwriting long be a socially meaningful skill? Poor spelling and grammar would now be more obvious, too. Not to mention all those waves if technological and social change that created the need for the typewriter in the first place. #typewriter #typewriterrevolution #socialchange #technology #technologicalchange #video #videoart #art #artmusem #artistsoninstagram #artphotography #artoftheday #artcollector #artnerd #jrrtolkien #lotr

[dimitri-michnovski]

Virtual exhibition view 7 from the Attractor drawing machine installation series, 2014, high quality rendering, installation video, by Dimitri Michnovski

[daffodilvarsity]

🔹The #4th_DIU_Marketing_Fest_2023 is happening now at Daffodil International University with 500 registered students participating in various marketing events. The focus of this event is on the next generation of marketing and the key issues they will face, such as innovation, differentiation, commitment, and technological changes. 🔰We were honored to have #Professor_Dr_Mijanur_Rahman, Former Vice Chancellor of Jagannath University - জগন্নাথ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, as our chief guest, along with Eminent Artist Mr. Afzal Hossain and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) DIU Professor Dr. Mostafa Kamal as special guests. 👉Let's empower the future generation of marketers to tackle these challenges head-on! Danube Home Bangladesh DIU Marketing Club Polar Ice Cream SAFUS ACI Limited #DIUMarketingFest #NextGenMarketing #Innovation #Differentiation #Commitment #TechnologicalChanges #MarketingStrategies https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpe4UupPlDo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[babyawacs]

@all @federalreserve @ecb @bankofengland .@london .@paris @bbc_whys @bbcradio4 @bbcr4 @france24 @wsj @ft @tictoc @business itis absolutely obvious that not enough work dueto technologicalchange and some globalisationeffects t o preserve the governability ofthe westernsocieties theywill reduce themandatory workload to enable more people hired then tinkert rickery around valuation ontheother end especialy with increased productivity fromtechnologicalchange the issue seemsrightnow that the system fights misery rebellions their formmerr system depends on acceptance but produced nothing but v i c t i m s : untilthey outnummber all and mess globally: are these a mobtyranny is thequestion if thi s is the case‎ I am Christian KISS

@all @federalreserve @ecb @bankofengland .@london .@paris @bbc_whys @bbcradio4 @bbcr4 @france24 @wsj @ft @tictoc @business itis absolutely obvious that not enough work dueto technologicalchange and some globalisationeffects to preserve the governability ofthe westernsocieties theywill reduce themandatory workload to enable more people hired then tinkertrickery around valuation ontheother end…

[agsb-bilbao]

Tweeted

The #TechnologicalTransformation makes it difficult to interpret the productivity figures of many economies 🌍 📊. How does this phenomenon happen? 🤔 DianeCoyle1859 explains how to measure productivity in the context of #TechnologicalChange ➡ … pic.twitter.com/tbKNJcsLfA

— AGS&B (@agsb_bilbao) April 4, 2020

[thxnews]

UK-Italy Relations: UK Deputy Prime Minister Speech

  Pontignano Conference, Siena, Italy.

Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered. Ladies and gentlemen, at the risk of derailing what The Economist has rightly called the ‘blossoming’ relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy, perhaps you’ll permit me to say: Vorrei ringraziare tutti voi di essere qui stasera, in questa bellissima citta, in questa antica e famosa universita. Grazie di cuore. Thank you to the Rector, for welcoming us to this fine seat of learning. Thank you Mayor, for your very warm welcome to your wonderful city, which is so beloved of my fellow Brits. Thank you to Lord Willetts and Carlo Calenda, for your leadership of Pontignano… and for all you do to nurture the close friendship between our nations. And thank you – above all – to all of you for being here. You all believe in the importance of this relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy. Important, not just because of our friendship, culture and our long shared history. But because you are strong believers in how much more we can achieve together as modern European nations facing the same challenges: from supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom to confronting economic and energy security challenges to tackling illegal migration. And you know that to succeed, we must address them together. The number of my colleagues attending this conference demonstrates that this is certainly the view of the British Government. (Although it would perhaps be an exaggeration to say that they took a lot of persuading to come to Siena!). Their presence is a testament to the United Kingdom’s determination to drive forward a new strategic partnership between London and Rome. Now our topic for this year’s Pontignano is ‘Adapting to technological change’. But before I say a few words on that, let me take a step back and look at our relationship with Italy – to take stock, as diplomats like to say. A turning point. My counterpart, Antonio Tajani, said at the start of the year that relations between the UK and Italy were ‘at a turning point.’ And he was right. Look at the situation that confronts us: war in Europe threats to our energy and our food supplies climate change irregular migration, across the Mediterranean and the Channel. And all of it underpinned by the onward march of technology. Set against that backdrop, it is surely no wonder that our two countries - sharing so many interests whose strengths complement each other in so many ways - should seize this moment to work more closely together. And that is exactly what we are doing. A longstanding friendship. We are, of course, building on a very strong foundation. The ties between our peoples go back centuries – indeed all the way back to ancient Rome and through the Renaissance. More recently - 80 years ago, British Forces landed at Salerno, as part of their central role in the liberation of this country. And next year we will mark the 80th anniversary of Anzio and Monte Cassino. Today, the bonds between us are thriving and vibrant. And there is also a mutual respect and affection between our peoples – epitomised in Italians’ moving reaction to the death of our late Queen a year ago. And your enthusiasm at the Coronation of King Charles III earlier this year. Indeed our new Monarch loves Italy, as he himself told an Italian television crew in the Mall the night before he was crowned. So there is a rich tapestry of ties between us. And that vibrant partnership is an invaluable source of strength, as we face together the most challenging set of circumstances in many decades. Until recently, perhaps the defining political moment of my generation was the 9th November 1989 – the date that the Berlin Wall came down and liberty rolled across our continent. Now a new date is inscribed in our memories. The 24th February 2022 – the date Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine and its missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. The events of that day, and every day since, have reminded us of some old truths. The need for strong defence to deter war. The need to stand up to aggression today, or risk greater aggression tomorrow. The need for friends and allies to stick together and stand up for what we believe in. Every day since the invasion, that is exactly what the United Kingdom and Italy have done – as G7 partners and leading members of NATO. Let me pay tribute to Italy’s response. You have been at Kyiv’s side every step of the way. And I am proud of the role that Britain has played and will continue to play, for as long as it takes. If anyone doubted Britain’s enduring commitment to European security, you have your answer, not just in our words, but in our actions. And as we sit here tonight, in this cradle of European civilisation, let us spare a thought for the people of Ukraine, a fellow European country, who face another night in bomb shelters or on the front line. Forging a new relationship between the UK and Italy – real momentum… It is not just on Ukraine, however, that cooperation has been galvanised between our two countries. There is a real determination to make this relationship between Britain and Italy count for more, to be more than the sum of its parts. Take a look at the last nine months: In December our Prime Ministers signed – with their Japanese counterpart – the Global Combat Air Programme to build a new generation of combat aircraft together. In February, our Defence and Trade Secretaries signed agreements forging ever closer relations. And then in April, our Prime Minister was delighted to welcome PM Meloni to Downing Street where they signed an ambitious Memorandum of Understanding - covering issues from national security to cultural ties. The agreement also covered another subject on which our countries share the same challenge: illegal migration. This is a challenge that is political, societal, criminal. Our electorates demand that we deal with it, and we must. We both share the same sense of urgency – and albeit at different ends of Europe, we are facing the same phenomenon: Large numbers of arrivals by sea. Unscrupulous traffickers in human lives. The death traps into which they place innocent  women and children. The tragedies in the dark waters off the Channel,  off Lampedusa or the Calabrian coast. So we are significantly expanding our cooperation together. Working together in bodies such as the G7 and the Council of Europe. Adapting to technological change. In so doing, we will, of course, be taking advantage at every opportunity of new technologies – the theme of this Pontignano. I am delighted that British scientists will once again be able to collaborate with those in Italy and across Europe as part of the Horizon programme. And, as a Minister from the country that invented the steam engine, speaking in the land of Marconi, I know how well both our countries know the revolutionary power of technology. And the list of technologies that have fundamentally altered the course of human history is relatively short: fire, metals, the printing press, the combustion engine, electricity, fission, the internet. All of these tools have been bent to achieve a step-change in the pace of human progress. And now I believe that we are on the cusp of another such inflection point, one that has the potential to make the pace of progress supersonic: Artificial Intelligence, or more specifically, the advent of artificial general intelligence, represents, at once the most exciting and the most daunting challenge of our age. Exciting, because there is an opportunity, as our PM has put it, for human progress that could surpass the industrial revolution in both speed and depth. For game-changing innovations in all aspects of our lives: unthinkable advances in medicine cures for cancer and dementia growing crops to feed the world… or solving climate change. But also daunting. Not only will AI expedite and intensify the existing threat landscape, in Artificial General Intelligence, humans face the potential of a technology that surpasses both the capability of our collective endeavour, and the limits of our understanding. We have to accept that the answer to many of our questions about the AI frontier will be ‘we don’t yet know’. We do not yet know what these machines might be capable of. What we do know is that, to date, the limits of human progress have been capped by the sum of our collective intelligence. By adding to that sum with AI - at potentially dizzying scales - we will redraw the bounds of what we previously thought possible. But, as scary - and exciting - as that is, it should not be a barrier to our exploration. But it does mean that we need a new approach to regulation. One that iterates to build faith in the systems that will come to underpin so many aspects of our lives. This approach will involve active and ongoing collaboration between Governments, Al labs and academics, amongst others. Many organisations outside of national Governments, in particular private companies - including those in Italy - have been pivotal to the most recent advances in AI. I know that many such companies are taking part in Pontignano this year. And these collaborations will be crucial to ensure the safe and reliable development and deployment of frontier AI throughout the world. The United Kingdom is acutely aware of the importance of this moment – and of the need to act swiftly and with resolve. Domestically, the Prime Minister has asked me to chair a Resilience sub-committee of the National Security Council, which will be taking a methodical approach to assessing the risks of AI. And internationally, our forthcoming AI Summit at Bletchley Park in November will aim to agree how we can collaborate on frontier AI safety: to agree a shared assessment of the frontier risks as well as share some of the best examples from around the world of how AI is being used to improve lives. Already, the UK has been working with industry leaders such as Google DeepMind, OpenAI and Anthropic, who will give us unprecedented access to their products and models. So that we can mitigate against the risks, and take advantage of the opportunities. The importance of their cooperation cannot be overstated. We need them to ensure that our frontier systems are aligned with human objectives. And we need them to ensure that they are deployed safely, Because - ultimately - we need end users to have confidence in these transformative tools. The Summit is an important forum to begin to address these questions. But it is only one of the first steps in a very long journey. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Italian Government and across the world. Together we have a huge stake – for our countries, as for the sake of humanity. So my message is a simple one: it is vital that we work together to make AI safe. I look forward to discussing this collaboration with you at this conference. And to our colleagues in the Italian Government. Let me say that the United Kingdom sees Italy as a crucial partner in helping us to achieve this goal. We look forward to working very closely with you on this, and on other shared priorities, from migration to economic security to climate, as you assume the Presidency of the G7 next year. So, there is plenty here for this year’s Pontignano to discuss. This medieval city is famed - not just for its beauty - but for its enduring identity, its spirit and its character through the centuries. Famous too for Lorenzetti’s 14th century frescos at the Palazzo Publicco - not far from here - depicting the tenets of good government, and the consequences of bad government. So this is an ideal and inspiring place for such discussions – a city which has long stood for humanity’s ability to solve apparently intractable problems. A city which centuries ago understood the importance of developing a legal and political framework by which society can be governed in the best interests of the wider community. I like to think that if Ambrogio Lorenzetti were here today, he might recognise some of the dilemmas modern democracies are wrestling with as we seek the right way forward. A few hundred metres from here, there is the famous pavement in the Duomo – the intricate work of artisans here in Siena many centuries ago. At the other end of Europe, in London, there is another pavement – the famous Cosmati pavement, laid by British and Italian craftsmen in Westminster Abbey in 1268. One of the earliest examples of what Britons and Italians can achieve together when they put their minds to it. It was on precisely that pavement, watched by the entire world, that our new Sovereign was crowned in May. Let that be the spirit in which we embark on this Pontignano, and usher in a new chapter of British-Italian endeavour for the good of both our nations, of Europe and for the good of the world.   Sources: THX News, Cabinet Office & The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP. Read the full article

[stag28]

"Population reached approximately 4 million by 10000 BC, 50 million by 1000 BC, and 170 million by the year 1. Population then reached 265 million by the year 1000, 425 million by 1500, and 720 million by 1750 before the subsequent explosion of the British Industrial Revolution and the subsequent spread of Modern Economic Growth. [..] In Kremer's model, population will grow and eventually population will be high enough that research and development will proceed fast enough to push income per capita high enough to trigger the demographic transition and thus break the Malthusian proportional link between resources and technology on the one hand and population on the other. After that link is broken, economic growth will predominantly take the form not of Malthusian increases in population but rather Industrial Revolution and Modern Economic Growth increases in living standards and labor productivity. The breakthrough to an Industrial Revolution, Modern Economic Growth, and our present prosperous global post-industrial economy is therefore baked into the cake: an all-but-inevitable event in human history produced by the simple fact that when it comes to generating useful ideas two heads are better than one: "the fundamental nonrivalry of technology as described by Paul Romer (1986)..." The alternative view to the inevitability of the breakthrough is that the breakthrough to the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent knock-on transition to Modern Economic Growth was a lucky throw of the historical dice--that while Kremer's model has something like our economic world today as our inevitable destiny, the world might well be substantially otherwise and remain substantially otherwise for millennia if not longer. [..] It was not Newtonian science that inclined British inventors and entrepreneurs to seek machines that raised labour productivity but the rising cost of labour... due to... Britain’s success in the global economy... in part the result of state policy... [and] Britain['s] vast and readily worked coal deposits.... The necessary R&D was profitable in Britain (under British conditions) but unprofitable elsewhere.... The theory advanced here explains the technological breakthroughs of the industrial revolution in terms of the economic base of society–natural resources, international trade, profit opportunities. Through their impact on wages and prices, these prime movers affected both the demand for technology and its supply... [..] The nineteenth century engineering industry was a spin-off of the coal industry.... The British inventions of the eighteenth century–cheap iron and the steam engine, in particular–were so transformative... because of the possibilities they created for the further development of technology. Technologies invented in France–in paper production, glass, knitting–did not lead to general mechanization or globalization.... There is no reason to believe that French technology would have led to the engineering industry, the general mechanization of industrial processes, the railway, the steam ship, or the global economy. In other words, there was only one route to the twentieth century–and it went through northern Britain..."

[biglisbonnews]

Shell is more serious about share buybacks than renewables Shell’s profits hit a record high of $42.3 billion in 2022—double what it made in 2021, and perhaps the highest profits posted by any British company in history. How Shell spent those profits left little doubt about its priorities: $26 billion went toward dividends and buybacks for its shareholders, an amount 7.4…Read more... https://qz.com/shell-cares-way-more-about-buybacks-than-renewables-1850072118

[tychoish]

The Downfall of Chrome

I'm always watching how my coworkers and friends are using computers, in part because people will always teach you something brilliant about how to use a computer if you give them a chance1. Also, being as I am, interested in the future of technology, I think Stephen O'Grady is right developers drive technological change.

One thing that I've noticed in the past 3 months, or so, is that folks are slowly moving away from Chrome and back to (mostly) Firefox. I don't think this is emblematic of any greater shift in the way that programmers work and I don't think that this is evidence that Chrome itself is unsuccessful...

I think there are a few interconnected reasons driving the move away from Chrome:

Chrome can be flakey in some cases: tabs freeze, the memory use tends to run away with large number of tabs.

All of the "magic" that Chrome is doing to make things fast and efficient, increases the actual heat generated by the machine, which is both uncomfortable and reduces battery life for laptops.

Firefox by contrast, has the same good standards compliant rendering, isolates tabs using a process model, has a more stable resource profile, has an emended PDF reader, has an established extension ecosystem, and a regular incremental development cycle. If competition is good for innovation, Chrome gave Firefox the push it needed.

Second, I think the most technologically interesting and important aspects of Chrome (from Google's perspective,) aren't actually the ones that would drive adoption of Chrome: notably the automatic "self-updating," and having a viable runtime for projects like ChromeOS and Dart. Some people have to use it, but they don't all have to use it for it to succeed.

As you were.

For one emacs using coworker, anytime we watch each other use emacs, we inevitably ask each other "wait, how did you do that," notably for flyspell-auto-correct-previous-word and dired-maybe-insert-subdir, which are both amazing but even after years of collective emacs use we each were only familiar with one. ↩︎

[dimitri-michnovski]

Virtual exhibition view 1 from the Attractor drawing machine installation series

Watch a full video of the installation on youtube:
https://youtu.be/mUYmm1llQZI