Agenda
7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
Event Summary
Why has it become so difficult and expensive to build a better physical world? In their 2025 bestseller, Abundance, authors Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that while we’ve mastered the digital world of "bits," we have allowed the physical world of "atoms" to stagnate under the weight of scarcity, regulation, and high costs.
Join the Austin Forum for an interactive online book discussion as we dive into this critical manifesto for 21st-century progress. We will explore the authors’ "Supply-Side" framework and discuss exactly how technology should be harnessed to solve our most persistent crises in housing, energy, transportation, and healthcare.
Our discussion will focus on the role of the technologist in this new era:
The Shift from Bits to Atoms: Why the most important innovations of the next decade won't happen on a screen, but in our power grids, laboratories, and construction sites.
The "Veto" Problem: Exploring the authors' analysis of how legal and political systems stifle progress, and how technologists can build solutions that bypass or solve these bottlenecks.
Ethics of Abundance: Discussing the authors' vision for a world where essential goods are cheap and high quality—and what technologists must do to ensure this future is equitable.
The Austin Opportunity: How our local tech ecosystem can be a leader in the charge in the "Abundance Agenda" to solve real-world scarcity.
Whether you are an executive, engineer, developer,, or policy enthusiast, join us to discuss how we can move from a culture of "no" to a future of "yes."
Attendance Instructions
Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email before the event.
Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.