magine a society where governments don’t dictate progress but instead create the conditions for it by stepping back, setting clear and measurable goals, and allowing disruptive scientists and technologists to build practical, inclusive solutions that reduce life’s burdens. It’s a vision of innovation serving people—constantly adapting to uplift individuals and deliver meaningful outcomes.
In 2024, billions not only voted but voiced their frustrations online. The message was clear; people are tired of being told what to do and watching their money spent on initiatives that fail to meet their immediate needs. Many pushed back on ambitious climate programs that, while well–intentioned, neglected the human cost—diverting tax dollars from urgent priorities like poverty, healthcare, and education to pursue often intangible goals. In the name of progress, governments and international organizations tweaked systems that prolonged inefficiencies or added complexity, further driving up costs.
The leaders gathering at the World Economic Forum have an opportunity to change this trajectory. Transformation at the individual level requires rethinking governance to foster autonomy, innovation, and freedom while keeping people at the center. Governments should focus on defining clear societal and financial outcomes and then trust innovators, communities, and markets to deliver. Excessive regulation and bureaucracy have stifled creativity and wasted resources. Instead, governments must aim to provide seamless services at our fingertips, redirecting investments to alleviate everyday burdens—like elder care, medical management, and household responsibilities—while ensuring seniors and individuals with special needs receive compassionate care.
As we reduce these burdens, we unlock the potential of artificial intelligence to tap into every piece of brainpower society has to offer, engaging all individuals—not just as participants but as active solution providers. Neurodiverse and disabled individuals, often seen as challenges, are, in fact, untapped resources for innovation. With unique strengths like advanced spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative problem solving, they may hold the key to breakthroughs.
When we grant people the autonomy and latitude to create and innovate, we overcome the limits of any policy framework. Failures will happen, and perfection is unattainable, but each mistake brings valuable lessons. People thrive when we are free to act boldly, when human connection is valued, and when every mind is engaged in building a better future.
a global affairs media network
Let people, not policymakers, drive progress
January 15, 2025
Perhaps governments should not dictate progress, but instead create the conditions for it by allowing disruptive scientists and technologists to build practical, inclusive solutions that reduce life’s burdens, writes Lisa Gable.
I
magine a society where governments don’t dictate progress but instead create the conditions for it by stepping back, setting clear and measurable goals, and allowing disruptive scientists and technologists to build practical, inclusive solutions that reduce life’s burdens. It’s a vision of innovation serving people—constantly adapting to uplift individuals and deliver meaningful outcomes.
In 2024, billions not only voted but voiced their frustrations online. The message was clear; people are tired of being told what to do and watching their money spent on initiatives that fail to meet their immediate needs. Many pushed back on ambitious climate programs that, while well–intentioned, neglected the human cost—diverting tax dollars from urgent priorities like poverty, healthcare, and education to pursue often intangible goals. In the name of progress, governments and international organizations tweaked systems that prolonged inefficiencies or added complexity, further driving up costs.
The leaders gathering at the World Economic Forum have an opportunity to change this trajectory. Transformation at the individual level requires rethinking governance to foster autonomy, innovation, and freedom while keeping people at the center. Governments should focus on defining clear societal and financial outcomes and then trust innovators, communities, and markets to deliver. Excessive regulation and bureaucracy have stifled creativity and wasted resources. Instead, governments must aim to provide seamless services at our fingertips, redirecting investments to alleviate everyday burdens—like elder care, medical management, and household responsibilities—while ensuring seniors and individuals with special needs receive compassionate care.
As we reduce these burdens, we unlock the potential of artificial intelligence to tap into every piece of brainpower society has to offer, engaging all individuals—not just as participants but as active solution providers. Neurodiverse and disabled individuals, often seen as challenges, are, in fact, untapped resources for innovation. With unique strengths like advanced spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative problem solving, they may hold the key to breakthroughs.
When we grant people the autonomy and latitude to create and innovate, we overcome the limits of any policy framework. Failures will happen, and perfection is unattainable, but each mistake brings valuable lessons. People thrive when we are free to act boldly, when human connection is valued, and when every mind is engaged in building a better future.
