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A Crisis of Ethics in Technology Innovation
Article

A Crisis of Ethics in Technology Innovation

As businesses work to delight consumers, they must also protect the public trust.


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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Applicable
  • Insider's Take

Recommendation

Technology innovation responds to consumer demand, often without giving enough consideration to ethical implications. As disruptive business models replace components of existing value chains, the new models outpace regulations and controls. Yet, their creators seldom assume responsibility for the ethical consequences. SAP’s Max Wessel and Nicole Helmer offer three strategies to navigate this moral dilemma in society’s best interest.

Take-Aways

  • Companies whose innovations disrupt parts of an industry’s value chain must consider the long-term ethical consequences for society.
  • Innovators create niche products to fulfill consumer demand, often without considering possible negative effects on the public.
  • Technologists capitalizing on value-chain disruption can implement three strategies to safeguard the public trust.

About the Authors

Max Wessel is chief innovation officer at software company SAP. He also lectures at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Nicole Helmer is the head of strategy at SAP’s Innovation Center Network.


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