Quantum computing is the latest tech darling to grab headlines, and with it comes a flood of bold claims about how it will revolutionise everything from cryptography to drug discovery to AI. You’d be forgiven for thinking that we’re just a few years away from a quantum-powered utopia where today’s problems vanish into a haze of quantum bits (qubits) and entanglement. But as with so many tech fads, much of what’s being said about quantum computing is exaggerated—or, to put it bluntly, bollocks.
Continue readingMonthly Archives: December 2024
Exploring the Link Between Cyber-Dependent Crime and Autism: A Critical Analysis
This article reviews a study exploring links between autistic-like traits, autism, and cyber-dependent crimes. Findings show autistic-like traits increase cyber-crime risk, while autism reduces it. Advanced digital skills are a key factor. The study highlights opportunities for autistic individuals in cybersecurity but is limited by self-reported data and sample representation. Further research is needed to clarify causal links and broader impacts.
Continue readingI Miss Kartoo: A Nostalgic Look at an Innovative Search Engine
Kartoo, an innovative search engine launched in 2001, revolutionized the search experience with its interactive, visual network graph interface. Unlike traditional text-based search engines, Kartoo displayed results as interconnected nodes, encouraging exploration and revealing relationships between topics. While it garnered a niche following for its creativity and educational value, it ultimately closed in 2010, overshadowed by Google’s algorithmic dominance. Kartoo’s legacy highlights a lost era of search engine innovation and serves as a reminder of the potential for tools that inspire discovery and creativity.
Continue readingSupply Chains: Still Vulnerable – According To Latest McKinsey Research
This article delves into McKinsey’s latest research, which paints a stark picture of the vulnerabilities still plaguing global supply chains in 2024. Despite progress since the pandemic, companies face persistent risks, from geopolitical tensions to talent shortages. By critiquing McKinsey’s findings and offering actionable insights, this piece explores how organizations can enhance resilience through digitization, talent development, and boardroom advocacy.
Continue readingMore 3G/4G/5G/6G Bollocks: Breaking Down the Mobile Network Hype Cycle
Every new generation of mobile technology is accompanied by a blizzard of promises: higher speeds, lower latency, smarter connectivity, and, of course, a world transformed. We’ve been through this cycle with 3G, then 4G, then 5G, and now, 6G is already getting hyped—even though it doesn’t technically exist yet.
Continue readingAlternatives to Corporate Venture Capital
This article explores alternatives to Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) for organizations seeking innovation and strategic growth without directly investing in startups. Drawing insights from a Cyber Runway: Scale Accelerator Programme session, it outlines ten key strategies, including internal R&D, mergers and acquisitions, open innovation, and academic collaborations. Each approach is analyzed for its advantages and drawbacks, providing a comprehensive guide to help organizations tailor their innovation strategies based on their goals, resources, and risk tolerance.
Continue readingCorporate Venture Capital (CVC): A Comprehensive Guide
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is a strategic approach where corporations invest directly in startup companies. It blends the agility of venture capital with the strategic intent of established businesses. This article explores the history, benefits, drawbacks, and a step-by-step guide to leveraging CVC effectively.
Continue readingThe Growth Equation by Andy Budd: Summary, Key Advice, and Critique
Andy Budd’s The Growth Equation examines how businesses, especially startups and scale-ups, can achieve sustainable growth by balancing expansion with operational stability. Budd identifies three key components of sustainable development: Product Market Fit, Efficient Operations, and Strategic Adaptability. The book offers actionable advice, including cultivating a learning culture, aligning growth with team capacity, and investing in leadership and culture.
Continue readingProtected: Investor Panel with Hattie Willis, Andy Budd, Joseph Aziz, and Andy Ayim MBE
The Syd Barrett Hypothesis: Ground Zero for Pink Floyd’s Musical Genius
This article explores the profound and lasting influence of Syd Barrett on Pink Floyd’s music. Using the innovative “Candy and a Currant Bun” test, we analyze every track in the band’s catalogue, revealing that most of their greatest songs, whether created by, about, or in reaction to Barrett, stem from his unique genius. With data-backed insights, vivid imagery, and a fresh perspective on Barrett’s foundational role, this piece redefines how we view Pink Floyd’s legacy, proving that Barrett was not just a fleeting presence but the creative epicentre of their evolution.
Continue readingSummary of Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Rework by Jason Fried and DHH flips traditional business advice on its head, championing simplicity, adaptability, and pragmatic action over rigid plans and corporate norms. Perfect for entrepreneurs, startups, and creative professionals, the book offers sharp insights on working smarter, embracing constraints, and focusing on what truly matters in building a sustainable business.
Continue readingNavigating the Twentysomething Years: Insights from Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp
Discover why your twenties are a defining decade and how to navigate its challenges with insights from Dr Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp. From embracing uncertainty to balancing mental health in a social media age, this article offers actionable advice for young adults and therapists alike. Dr Meg Jay and Rosie Gilderthorp’s conversation offers a compelling roadmap for navigating the complexities of the twenties, emphasizing the importance of growth, resilience, and intentionality during this pivotal decade.
Continue readingWhy 30 is Not the New 20: Meg Jay’s TED Talk on Claiming Adulthood in Your Twenties
In her compelling TED Talk, Dr Meg Jay challenges the cultural narrative that the twenties are a “throwaway decade,” arguing instead that they are a critical time for shaping the trajectory of one’s life. Drawing on her experiences as a clinical psychologist and the latest developmental research, she provides actionable advice for twentysomethings to make the most of this transformative decade.
Continue readingMore NFT Bollocks: Unpacking the Hype, Greed, and Confusion Around Non-Fungible Tokens
Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have quickly gone from niche tech curiosity to mainstream obsession. Promised as a revolution in digital ownership, creativity, and investment, NFTs are hailed as everything from the future of art to a transformative tool for creators. But scratch beneath the surface, and the NFT world is riddled with misinformation, speculation, and, quite frankly, bollocks.
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