Event Summary
On April 11, AEI’s Jim Harper was joined by venture capitalist and Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Chris Dixon for a conversation about the nature of the internet and the next iteration of the web, as discussed in Mr. Dixon’s new book, Read, Write, Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. Mr. Harper and Mr. Dixon explored how the internet began as a dispersed, democratized system that gradually evolved into a structure of consolidated power, and they discussed how blockchain technology could potentially restore creativity and power to users.
Furthermore, Mr. Harper and Mr. Dixon delved into the dynamics of the current tech startup market, discussing how US regulation has made some entrepreneurs less willing to take risks regarding blockchain innovations, and they considered how the internet might help address issues of collective action and democracy. The event concluded with an audience Q&A.
—Owen O’Brien-Powers
Event Description
Crypto’s “casino culture” has dominated headlines—obscuring the insight that blockchain is an internet-native administrative system, not just a tool for value transfer and payments. It could revamp countless services, transform fundamental agreements such as contracts and property rights, and shift power from governments and corporations to transnational, self-organizing communities.
In his new book, Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet, Chris Dixon highlights this coming phase of a better internet. Please join AEI for a discussion between Mr. Dixon and AEI’s Jim Harper on the potential of the internet’s next phase and the changes in policy and power that may be on our near horizon.
Event Materials
Agenda
1:30 p.m.
Introduction:
Jim Harper, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
1:35 p.m.
Discussion:
Chris Dixon, General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
Jim Harper, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
2:30 p.m.
Q&A
3:00 p.m.
Adjournment
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