10/10 Will SXSW evolve to become a true platform for these critical conversations? Will we return next year to see? Or will SXSW London replace Austin as the center for creative, innovative and critical thinking? The jury is still out...#Tech #Geopolitics #AI #Democracy #Power #SXSW2025

9/10 Moving forward, we must continue to advocate for transparency and courage in our discussions, not just at SXSW but in all forums. The challenges we face – from AI governance to scientific freedom – require open and honest debate.

8/10 As we reflect on SXSW 2025 and its aftermath, it's clear that open dialogue, government oversight, and the future of innovation are more pressing than ever. The cautious atmosphere we experienced seems to be a microcosm of larger societal trends.

7/10 Moving away from gov. agencies as sponsors was positive. Logistical challenges, like the demolition of the Convention Center, add uncertainty to SXSW's future. Could these changes provide an opportunity for SXSW to reassess its mission and create more space for open, critical discussions?

6/10 SXSW itself faces controversy. Discussions about its identity crisis have intensified, with critics questioning whether it remains a hub for innovation or has become more of a corporate spectacle. This mirrors larger questions about tech's role in society.

5/10 UNESCO's recent call to action for scientific freedom highlights the global nature of these issues. The need for enabling science ecosystems that allow researchers to work freely and safely has never been more apparent.

4/10 Concerns about government interference in research have gained momentum. The Stand Up for Science movement is mobilizing to defend academic freedom against political interference, echoing a farmer's powerful statement at SXSW: "Stop firing our scientists."

3/10 The hesitation we felt at SXSW now seems prescient, reflecting a broader trend of careful navigation around controversial topics in tech and politics. This caution extends beyond tech circles into the scientific community.

2/10 Recent developments intensify these concerns.
Rep. Jim Jordan's investigation into potential government pressure on AI companies to censor content brings tech regulation and free speech to the forefront, targeting major players like Google, OpenAI, and Meta.

(5/5) Without open discussions, SXSW risks becoming an echo chamber rather than a space for real innovation. SXSW has the platform, the audience to push real conversations.

There’s still time to fix this. Will we?
#Tech #Geopolitics #AI #Democracy #Power #SXSW

(4/5) If SXSW avoids real discussions on tech monopolies, AI governance, climate, democracy, and power shifts, what are we even doing here? International participants are questioning whether SXSW is still the place for bold ideas.
I really hope this gets better during the week.

(3/4) One topic being completely avoided? Geopolitics. The U.S. is pulling out of global collaboration on trade, AI, and climte. Yet SXSW isn’t addressing what that means. How can we talk about tech’s future without discussing power shifts happening now?

(2/5) @amywebb.bsky.social called Elon Musk “he who shall not be named”, but didn’t go deeper. Why the hesitation? Tech billionaires are consolidating power. AI is advancing faster than regulation. Democracy is under threat. Yet SXSW seems afraid to tackle these issues head-on.