Session Summary

Understanding the world as a complex system and recognizing human uniqueness are critical to driving innovation and progress.

Understanding human behaviour and social evolution has led to identifying fundamental “Laws of Life”. These include the Law of Energy (excess energy empowers civilisations), Innovation (efficiency achieves more and costs less), Cooperation (collaboration leads to bigger outcomes), and Evolution (diverse experimentation allows selection of successful strategies). These interplays are summarized in the “Theory of Everyone.”

Embracing diverse perspectives and cultures is crucial for innovation. Each person’s behaviour and perceptions are influenced by their unique genetic and cultural backgrounds. Because of the different software in our minds, there is a need to include diverse perspectives to ensure cooperation and collective success.

Effective system-level solutions to address root causes, not symptoms. We need to understand the system-level solutions, not treating symptoms – the blind touching different parts of the elephant doesn’t give the whole truth. The Cane Toad (In Australia) and Cobra (In India) Effects, illustrate the unintended consequences of quick fixes. Opposite to the pursuit of potatoes, this small change created an entirely new worse system.

 

Collaboration, cultural understanding, and learning from diverse perspectives are essential for innovation and solving global challenges.

Collaboration is needed to overcome energy constraints. Human advancement was historically driven by abundant energy. We are at a juncture where expected return on investment from energy (EROI) is getting smaller. As energy ceiling is reached, we get more zero-sum game thinking, which impedes openness to collaboration.

Principle of collective brain is to fail locally, and learn globally. Staying open to diverse ideas and accepting failure as part of the process can lead to breakthrough solutions, as demonstrated by Estonia’s early adoption of internet education.

Meritocracy fosters productive cooperation. Fair systems or ability of an individual to be on a fair starting position allows individuals and groups to be hopeful and not view the market as a zero-sum game and have a demotivating beliefs as adults.

 

Countries can promote development and innovation by creating positive conditions that respect cultural diversity.

Policymakers must tailor solutions and policies to fit local cultural contexts. For example, Japan’s automotive industry has transformed by bringing in cultural capital and incorporating their local principles such as Kaizen. Hence, Malaysia’s unique needs must be prioritised while adopting successful global policies.

Fostering a positive-sum mindset even amid economic challenges. In a thriving economy, it is easier to be tolerant and celebrate others’ successes as opportunities for growth. However, in weaker economies, it is vital to recognise that hunger goes beyond food – it’s about the aspirations that fuel our drive.

Focus should be on critical growth areas such as energy, infrastructure, housing, and education. There are emerging opportunities in AI to revamp the education system through personalized learning.