172 Items

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a payload a of Starlink satellites for a high-speed low earth orbit internet constellation, lifts off from launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, July 17, 2022.

AP Photo/John Raoux

Analysis & Opinions - International Security Program, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

Starlink and the Russia-Ukraine War: A Case of Commercial Technology and Public Purpose?

| Mar. 09, 2023

The commercial space technology Starlink grabbed headlines in the wake of the Russian-Ukraine war. Just two days into the conflict, Elon Musk, CEO and founder of SpaceX, the company that operates Starlink, agreed to supply Ukraine with the technology to ensure they had reliable internet connectivity and communication. Starlink has since been touted as critical in the war effort, but it has not come without hazards.

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Blog Post - perspectives-on-public-purpose

Can Web3 help enable fairer distribution of wealth? A proposal for fractional property ownership and collective governance in local development

| Feb. 10, 2023

This blog post is an intro to a white paper that details a proposal for decentralized fractional property ownership and collective governance in local development. 

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Blog Post - perspectives-on-public-purpose

The Funding Ecosystem for Neurodegenerative Disease

| Dec. 16, 2022

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on finding treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as the prevalence of these diseases continues to rise globally. This blog aims to provide an overview of the sources and trends of funding for neurodegenerative disease research, with a particular focus on comparing funding for these diseases with that of other classes of diseases. By examining historical funding trends and the current sources of funding, we seek to shed light on the current state of the funding ecosystem for neurodegenerative disease research. We will also explore how funding is allocated across different types of neurodegenerative diseases and discuss potential bottlenecks in the funding process that may be hindering progress in the development of therapies.

*This blog is part of a series titled TAPP for Neurodegenerative Diseases Drug Discovery: Mapping the ecosystem

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The Stakeholders Involved in the Neurodegenerative Disease Drug Development Process

| Dec. 16, 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of disorders that cause the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, leading to declines in cognitive and physical abilities. Drug discovery and development for these diseases is a complex, multi-stakeholder process involving a variety of entities across the United States, including government agencies, businesses, research institutions, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. These stakeholders interact with each other at various stages of the non-linear cycle of drug development, which typically involves a range of activities including pre-clinical research, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization.

Given the complexity of this process and the challenges involved in developing effective treatments for NDDs, it is important to better understand the role of different stakeholders and the potential barriers they face. This blog aims to provide a deeper examination of the various stakeholders involved in NDD drug discovery and development, and to offer an initial hypothesis on key challenges that may be contributing to the lack of disease-altering therapies for these conditions.

*This blog is part of a series titled TAPP for Neurodegenerative Diseases Drug Discovery: Mapping the ecosystem

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Event Recap: Policymaking in Web3

| Dec. 16, 2022

On December 1st, the Technology and Public Purpose (TAPP) Project hosted its third and last panel Policymaking in Web3 as part of a three-part Perspectives in Web3 Virtual Series. It was joined by legal scholars, lawyers and policy researchers who work at the forefront of this domain, including Primavera De Filippi, Research Director at the National Center of Scientific Research and Faculty Associate at Harvard’s Berkman-Klein Center for Internet & Society; Connor Spelliscy, Executive Director of the DAO Research Collective; Miles Jennings, General Counsel and Head of Decentralization of a16z Crypto; David Kerr, Principal of Cowrie LLC; and Lindsey Kelleher, Senior Policy Manager at Blockchain Association.

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Understanding How Policy Affects Neurodegenerative Disease Drug Development

| Dec. 16, 2022

As highlighted in our initial blog post, the neurodegenerative disease (NDD) drug development space has seen little progress compared to other disease areas such as cancer and immunology. A number of factors contribute to a lack of curative or disease-altering therapies addressing NDD including a poor understanding of the pathophysiology of most NDDs and historically lower investment as opposed to other disease areas. However, the use of policy instruments has the potential to drive progress and improve NDD drug development. This article introduces our research on the impact of key policies on NDD drug development. It also presents our initial findings on the effectiveness of current policies and identifies areas where further action is needed.

*This blog is part of a series titled TAPP for Neurodegenerative Diseases Drug Discovery: Mapping the ecosystem

- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

The Legacy of Ash Carter

| Fall 2022

As tributes and memories poured in following the sudden death of Belfer Center Director Ash Carter on October 24, it became increasingly clear that his legacy of teaching and serving will live on through the students he taught, colleagues he mentored and worked alongside, and the many individuals whose lives he touched during his work in and out of government. 

Here, through the words of students, colleagues, government officials, and others, we share something of the incredible impact of this extraordinary man known as “Professor Carter,” “Secretary Carter,” “Sir,” and just “Ash.” 

President Joe Biden holds the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022” after signing it during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Washington.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Series Examines CHIPS and Science Act Potential and Challenges

| Fall 2022

This fall, the Technology and Public Purpose (TAPP) Project hosted a six part study group led by Doug Calidas, Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and TAPP non-resident fellow, titled “Policy for the Endless Frontier: Origins and Ambitions for the CHIPS and Science Act.”

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Event Recap: Investing in Web3

| Dec. 01, 2022

On November 17th, the Technology and Public Purpose (TAPP) Project hosted its second panel Investing in Web3 as part of a three-part Perspectives in Web3 Virtual Series. It was an especially timely discussion given the series of events which have unfolded over the last few weeks surrounding the collapse of FTX, formerly the second largest centralized crypto exchange platform. Joining the conversation wereNick Ducoff of G20 Ventures,Lauren Stephanianof Pantera Capital, andBrandon Hoffmanof Sunset Ventures. This blog serves as an event recap and outlines some key takeaways from the event.