As an interaction design student, I often wonder about where technology comes from and where it’s headed. Many of the technologies we rely on daily—like the internet and GPS—were initially funded by government and defense budgets. So, who should be responsible for inventing new technology in the future? Should it be governments, corporations, or open-source communities?

Long-Term Investment and Public Interest

Government funding often leads to foundational technologies that prioritize public interest over profit. Since governments don’t face the same profit pressures as corporations, they can afford to invest in high-risk, long-term research that might not show immediate results. This approach can be beneficial for society as a whole, creating infrastructure that everyone can use.

Speed and Scalability

On the other hand, corporations have the resources and competitive drive to scale technologies quickly and bring them to market. Companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla are continually pushing boundaries in AI, hardware, and clean energy. But their focus is often profit-driven, which can limit access to technology or prioritize revenue over user needs.

Community and Transparency

Finally, open-source projects encourage a community-driven approach where transparency and collaboration are key. Innovations from open-source communities, like Linux and Mozilla Firefox, allow anyone to contribute and benefit from the technology. Open-source projects tend to focus on accessibility and user-centered design, aligning well with the values we learn in interaction design.

A Balanced Approach

In reality, a mix of all three is ideal. Governments can provide the initial funding and long-term vision, corporations can drive large-scale adoption, and open-source communities can ensure transparency and access. Together, they can create a tech ecosystem that benefits everyone—an inspiring idea for any design student!