Most associated with economist Joseph Schumpeter, creative destruction is the idea that “disruptive” innovations arise from the introduction of ideas that shake up the status quo. Elon Musk and the companies seem to be disruptive innovations that partake in this creative destruction. For example, Tesla rattled the giant car companies of Detroit that were slow to switch to electric and self-driving vehicles, while Solar City aims to dominate the fossil fuel industry by providing widespread access to solar energy. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
