This panel discussion at the WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2024 brought together renowned experts to discuss the intricate relationship between technology and democracy. Moderated by Dr. Fanny Jimenez, Chief of Staff at Business Insider Germany, the session offered a global perspective, with insights from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
Setting the Stage
Our panelists brought decades of experience and expertise to discuss this fascinating topic, and we were grateful to bring the following experts on stage:
David Simas - Former White House Political Director under President Obama and current Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective.
Constantijn van Oranje - Leader of Tech Leap, a tech ecosystem accelerator in the Netherlands.
Vera Futorjanski - Serial entrepreneur and founder of Veritas Ventures and Beyond Global.
Their diverse experiences across different regions provided a rich tapestry of insights that we're extremely pleased to share with you.
Technology's Influence in Different Regions
United States: The Media Landscape
David recounted an incident during a U.S. presidential election, illustrating technology's influence. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram shaped young voters' perceptions, challenging traditional media. This shift underscores the era's transformative nature.
"Seeing that divergence was a reminder of how this is a very different era."
Europe: Collaborative Solutions
Constantine shared about the Dutch government's tech-centric approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of the Corona app exemplified the balance between functionality and societal values, highlighting the collaboration between iOS and Android developers.
"It says something about how values are important, not just the functionality."
Middle East: Dreaming Big
Vera discussed the ambitious mindset in the UAE, where dreaming big is encouraged. Projects like blockchain strategies aimed at digital governance are testament to this visionary environment.
"This is a place where you can dream."
Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Politics
Challenges and Opportunities
Constantine addressed the complexities of political frameworks in Europe, noting the barriers to innovation. Vera highlighted the UAE's top-down approach enabling swift decision-making, fostering growth.
David emphasized emerging fields to watch in the US: AI, crypto, and speech, each fraught with regulatory challenges.
Trust and Regulation
Building trust is essential. The American public's apprehension towards government regulation, especially concerning misinformation, was a point discussed by David.
"There's a difference between whether or not the government does that explicitly versus implicitly."
In the UAE, top-down governance and technological advancements are perceived as factors for societal well-being, despite inherent trade-offs.
Responsibilities of Developers
The panel stressed the vital role developers play. Constantine urged developers to consider diverse perspectives, while Vera emphasized building inclusive technologies.
"How you build it, how inclusive it is, really overarching of everything else—it is so important."
Key Takeaways
Reflecting on the panel, each speaker shared their closing thoughts:
David suggests that creativity in democracy can have a widespread impact, and technology can enable this creativity.
Constantine encourages us to challenge perceptions and embrace diverse views, using technology to broaden our horizons and learn about the world.
Vera says developers hold power to foster inclusivity and diversity, and this power comes with great responsibility, as their work will shape the world of the future.
In summary, the panel provided an engaging exploration of technology's multifaceted impact on democracy. The session underscored the importance of innovation and thoughtful engagement in shaping a democratic future.
