Innovation Reading Circle
> Innovation Agenda
> Overview
The Innovation Reading Circle aims to help develop theory around innovation through rich, high-level and well-informed public discussion around key and related texts and discourses... [Read on in Objectves]
> Event
03: The social shaping of technology
> Titles
The
Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History since 1900 Professor
David Edgerton (Profile Books, 2007)
Professor Edgerton is Hans Rausing Chair at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine Centre at Imperial College London. HIs book is of particular interest as a critique of the contemporary belief that society is over-whelmed and shaped by new technologies, and a reminder of the longevity of old technologies and humanity's tendency to adapt as much as invent. More generally, his book questions our approach to future innovation.
Available from from Amazon.co.uk. If you are taking part, please order your copy promptly.
> Took place
7–9 pm, Tuesday 3 April 2007
> Venue was
LBI International, 1 Naoroji Street, off Margery Street, London WC1X 0JD Google Maps
> Notices
We are pleased to note that Professor Edgerton will took part in the event
Points for discussion
Some of the questions that we plan to discuss include:
- What question is the author answering?
- How well is the case made for the prevalence of old technologies?
- Does the author’s thesis apply before 1900?
- Are we obsessed by new technologies? If so, why?
- Where does production fit in the discussion?
- Is the innovation process addressed? Should it be?
- What factors shape the adoption of innovations?
- Do national economies need innovation? Does the author want to see more innovation and growth?
- If so, how might innovation be promoted?
- How do changing political and social contexts inform the author’s thesis?
- What is the author arguing for?
Background reading
Perspectives Countries and companies need to band together in networks Alan Cane, FT.com, January 24 2007 Bookmarked on Ma.gnolia
The ideas interview: David Edgerton, John Sutherland, Guardian, August 1, 2006 Bookmarked on Ma.gnolia
The age of technological revolution is 100 years dead Simon Jenkins, Guardian, January 24, 2007 Bookmarked on Ma.gnolia
Slow and Steady John Sparks, Newsweek International, Jan. 8, 2007 issue
Reviews
Let technology set you free James Heartfield, spiked review of books, Issue #2, June 2007. In today’s Technology Wars, the techophobes of the New Left have emerged victorious over the technophiles of the Cold War era – and that is bad indeed for humanity. Reviews The Shock of the Old: Technology in Global History Since 1900 David Edgerton; Imaginary Futures: from thinking machines to the global village Richard Barbrook; Fantasy Island Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson. [Shared bookmark on Magnolia]
The Shock of the Old: redefining the history of technology Hugh Pearman. First published in The Sunday Times (London), December 31, 2006, as ‘Two Wheels Good’ [Shared bookmark on Ma.gnolia]
From little things... Guy Rundle, The Age (Melbourne), March 17, 2007
Interviews
Audio: Debate with Professor David Edgerton, Today, BBC Radio 4, 17th January 2007 [Audio ] Bookmarked on Ma.gnolia
If you have queries about the event please email Nico Macdonald