In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with special guest Ruth Whittaker Director of Civic Innovation Policy at the Chamber of Program discussing the future of labor in the context of automation and autonomous vehicles. They explore the potential for job creation, the importance of middle-skilled labor, and the need for workforce development. The conversation also touches on the shift from vehicle ownership to car as a service, the impact of AVs on urban planning, and the regulatory challenges facing innovation in the U.S. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for proactive training and investment in the workforce to prepare for the future of work.

Takeaways
-Automation isn't just about displacing jobs; it's about reinventing labor.
-Middle-skilled labor may be essential for the future workforce.
-AVs rely on traditional job models, creating new opportunities.
-Job experience may be more valuable than formal education.
-The future of work is fertile and offers exciting possibilities.
-Investment in job training programs is crucial for future success.
-The entire country can compete for AV jobs, not just tech hubs.
-Regulatory challenges hinder innovation in the U.S. automotive industry.
-Transportation credits could enhance housing affordability.
-Communities must adapt to the changing landscape of work and transportation.

Sound bites
"Automation isn't just about displacing jobs."
"The entire country can compete for AV jobs."
"There's going to be a transition to atoms from electrons."
"The future of work is fertile and exciting."

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Future of Work
07:37 - The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Employment
16:31 - Middle-Skill Jobs and Workforce Evolution
25:24 - The Role of Location in Future Job Markets
25:48 - The Future of Manufacturing and Workforce Skills
27:53 - The Role of OEMs in Innovation
29:39 - Autonomous Vehicles and Job Creation
33:54 - Regulatory Challenges and Global Competition
34:19 - Balancing Innovation and Regulation in the Tech Industry
37:34 - Shifting Narratives on Automation and Employment
44:44 - Preparing for the Future: Training and Investment Opportunities

Additional Resources: 
Chamber of Progress. 2024. Opportunity AV: How Many and What Types of Jobs Will Be Created by Autonomous Vehicles? https://progresschamber.org/new-study-autonomous-vehicle-jobs-to-exceed-110k-in-u-s/ 
Riggs, William, Urban Autonomy & Disruptive Transport in the United States: Benchmarking Urban Policy and Programs (October 26, 2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3273431
Riggs, William, Revisiting Location Efficiency: Strategies to Graduate Thinking on Mortgage Policy (April 11, 2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2805483

In this conversation, Vipul Vyas and Billy Riggs discuss the erosion of trust in global institutions, particularly focusing on the implications of foreign affiliations and national security concerns. They explore the challenges faced by U.S. institutions like Harvard in navigating these issues, the impact of foreign student policies on academic freedom, and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring security. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in enhancing trust and the need for institutions to be mindful of geopolitical tensions.

Takeaways

• Trust in global institutions is eroding, impacting national security.
• The concept of 'guarding the gates' reflects growing scrutiny of foreign affiliations.
• Loss of trust can lead to significant consequences for institutions.
• Harvard's position as a leading institution makes it a focal point for scrutiny.
• Foreign student policies can affect academic freedom and innovation.
• Balancing innovation with national security is increasingly complex.
• Technology can enhance trust but also poses risks.
• Geopolitical tensions require institutions to be more cautious.
• The implications of shaping public opinion are significant.
• Institutions must navigate vulnerabilities in a changing global landscape.

Titles

• Navigating Trust in Global Institutions
• Guarding the Gates: A New Era of Scrutiny

Sound Bites

• "We need to manage the narrative."
• "Should we be guarding the gates?"
• "We can't be blind anymore."

Chapters

00:00 - The Erosion of Unipolarity

06:45 - Guarding the Gates: Foreign Affiliations and US Institutions

09:24 - The Scrutiny of Academic Freedom

16:56 - The Role of Institutions in National Security

21:31 - Innovation and Security: A Delicate Balance

25:47 - Navigating Geopolitical Risks

30:30 - The Future of Innovation in a Complex World

Additional Content

• Blockchain and Distributed Autonomous Community Ecosystems: Opportunities to Democratize Finance and Delivery of Transport, Housing, Urban Greening and Community Infrastructure: (PDF Report) 
• Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for International Governments (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337641 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337641
• Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for US States (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337624 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337624
• Riggs, William and Vyas, Vipul, Current State of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency for Major US Cities (December 31, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4337656 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4337656

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the future of cities in the context of automation and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the importance of education and critical thinking, and the need for bold leadership to prepare for a rapidly changing world. Special guest Seneca Scott shares insights on community organizing and the cultural readiness of cities to embrace technological advancements. The conversation emphasizes the need for universal basic infrastructure and the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation and aspiration in urban development.

Takeaways

• Cities must prepare for the future with innovative solutions.
• Europe faces significant challenges in closing the innovation gap.
• AI will reshape the future of work and society.
• Community engagement is crucial for effective political change.
• Education must focus on critical thinking and adaptability.
• Cultural readiness is as important as physical infrastructure.
• Universal basic infrastructure can enhance quality of life for all.
• Bold leadership is necessary to drive urban development.
• We must embrace experimentation in policy and infrastructure.
• The future requires a balance between technology and humanity.

Sound Bites

• "Europe has failed to innovate."
• "We need a balance of rule of law."
• "It's really about the people."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Rewiring the American Dream

02:45 - The State of Innovation in Europe

07:56 - Introducing Seneca Scott and the Future of Labor

09:19 - Preparing for an Uncertain Future

14:48 - The Role of AI in Society

22:36 - Education and the Future of Thinking

30:29 - Investing in Our Future: Education and Infrastructure

33:12 - Cultural Readiness for Technological Change

36:53 - The Intersection of Infrastructure and Social Justice

41:53 - The Erosion of the Social Contract

49:25 - Bold Aspirations: Reimagining Urban Development

In this conversation, Billy Riggs discusses the impact of automation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in technology for resilience. He explores the concept of coopetition among tech companies and highlights the challenges and opportunities in public transportation, particularly regarding last mile solutions.

Takeaways

• Automation and innovation are reshaping the economy.
• Redundancy in tech stacks can lead to greater resilience.
• Economic challenges are expected in the coming years.
• Coopetition can help companies achieve shared goals.
• Public transportation must adapt to the rise of rideshare.
• Level five autonomous vehicles may never exist.
• Companies need to diversify their supplier base.
• Tariffs are affecting consumer prices and economic stability.
• Last mile solutions present significant opportunities for growth.
• The relationship between rideshare and public transit is evolving.

Titles

• Navigating Automation's Impact on the Economy
• Building Resilience Through Redundancy in Tech

Sound Bites

• "Automation is reshaping the economy."
• "Level five vehicles are a myth."
• "Coopetition can lead to shared goals."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to European Insights

01:35 - Redundancy in Tech and Economic Resilience

06:53 - The Concept of Co-opetition in Business

10:28 - The Future of Public Transit and Last Mile Solutions

13:04 - Flattening in Public Transit Markets & Conclusion

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore various themes related to management strategies, the importance of having clear goals in leadership, the impact of automation and innovation on society, and the future of work. Billy also forgets the show name and calls it "Reimagining the American Dream". They discuss the need for infrastructure investment, the implications of trade policies, and the balance between decentralization and vertical integration in business. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of re-skilling the workforce to adapt to changing job markets and the role of human intervention in an increasingly automated world.

Takeaways

• Management strategies should be rethought and reset.
• Having a clear goal is essential for effective leadership.
• Historical context informs modern governance practices.
• Automation is not solely about machines; it's about people.
• Universal basic income could be a solution to job displacement.
• Investing in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth.
• The future of job centers must align with market needs.
• Trade policies should promote self-reliance and reduce dependency.
• Decentralization can lead to more innovative business models.
• Human intervention remains vital in automated systems.

Titles

• Rethinking Management Strategies for the Future
• The Importance of Goals in Leadership

Sound Bites

• "Decentralization is not a bad thing."
• "We are wholly dependent on others."
• "Machines can't be accountable."

Chapters

00:00 - Rewiring the American Dream: Introduction and Overview

04:20 - Goals and Civic Responsibility in Leadership

10:18 - Automation and Innovation: The Future of Work

17:45 - On-shoring and Economic Self-Reliance

29:05 - Job Centers and Urban Planning for the Future

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the new economy. They discuss the need for urban innovation, the importance of setting clear goals, and the role of competition in driving progress. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of rewiring our thinking and strategies to adapt to rapid changes in the global landscape, while also learning from successful examples around the world.