Harvard’s Jason Furman on Big Tech Regulation

In this interview from the HBS Institute for Business in Global Society, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Jason Furman discusses the competitive AI landscape, the balance between regulation and innovation, and why corporate social responsibility shouldn't replace government action.

Key takeaways
– Big Tech grew large because its products work better at scale and with network effects.
– The AI space shows remarkable competition with OpenAI, Anthropic, and others challenging established players.
– Regulation should be principled and not politically motivated.
– Americans both appreciate tech products while harboring concerns about their effects.
– Furman favors a traditional corporate focus on business, with government handling regulation.

Highlights:
0:00 - Introduction and central question: Is Big Tech too big?
0:27 - Why tech companies grow large: user preference and network effects
1:09 - Concerns about tech market concentration in the S&P 500
2:18 - Balancing accountability and regulation without stifling competition
3:13 - AI competition landscape
4:03 - Public perception of tech companies
4:41 - Advice for the Trump administration on tech regulation
5:31 - Traditional economics vs. mission-driven capitalism
6:12 - Skepticism about corporate social responsibility replacing government action
7:05 - The proper role of business advocacy groups

The full BiGS Debate “Is Big Tech Too Big?” is now live:
   • "Is Big Tech Too Big?" | HBS BiGS Debate S...  

Dive deeper into these critical conversations where business and society intersect at BiGS: https://www.hbs.edu/bigs