Tech billionaires of today share striking similarities with the capitalist titans of the past. Like their predecessors, they’ve amassed wealth through innovation and market disruption. Yet, they’re also marked by their philanthropic efforts, echoing the ‘Gospel of Wealth’ espoused by Andrew Carnegie in the late 19th century. They recognise the societal obligation that comes with immense wealth, investing in causes like education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Their impact extends beyond philanthropy. They’re redefining capitalism, shifting from traditional business models to a ‘winner-takes-all’ approach. They exploit network effects, where the value of a product or service increases as more people use it. This strategy, coupled with the global nature of the internet, allows them to dominate markets and amass extraordinary wealth rapidly.
Despite their influence, these tech moguls face criticism. Their disruptive innovations often lead to job losses, and their monopolistic tendencies raise antitrust concerns. Furthermore, their philanthropy is sometimes viewed as a tool to wield power and influence policy.
While they’ve undoubtedly transformed the way we live and work, the question remains: are these tech billionaires the new capitalists, or are they merely the latest incarnation of a long-standing tradition? The answer, much like the individuals themselves, is complex and multifaceted.
Go to source article: http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21637338-todays-tech-billionaires-have-lot-common-previous-generation-capitalist