(2010-11-16) Robb Localize Vs Virtualize

Back in April John Robb suggested The solution is to improve our Resilience to these systemic shocks through a social and Economic Transition that follows this simple formula: Localize production; Virtualize everything else.

Then, in considering BioTech risks he noted: The localization of production and the virtualization of everything else precludes the chance that damage from this technology will spread to a global scale via network amplification. It contains any potential damage to a small area. On the other hand, the virtualization of production and portability of discovery/productivity enabled by this technology will make it possible for very small communities to replicate the industrial power of a nation-state. Very nice.

Now he clarifies that we should Localize creation of Rivalrous goods, and Virtualize NonRivalGoods.