Faster towards what? cover art

Faster towards what?

Faster towards what?

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

This episode explores Micah Gaudet’s argument for treating public institutions not as machines to be tuned but as living systems to be tended. Drawing from his book Fragile Systems and article Faster Toward What?, Gaudet challenges the prevailing narrative that “faster is always better” when it comes to AI in government. Instead, he makes the case that trust—not efficiency—is the foundation of healthy civic life.

Key themes include the value of ecological fit, the importance of protecting “generative time” for staff, and why friction in public processes isn’t always failure but often a safeguard. Gaudet also redefines AI procurement as ecosystem design, urging leaders to evaluate technology by how it strengthens relationships, preserves judgment, and builds long-term resilience.

For local governments considering AI adoption, this episode offers a framework rooted in stewardship, equity, and public trust—an alternative to efficiency-obsessed metrics that often overlook what truly matters.

Learn more at www.civicinnovation.ai
Connect with Micah on LinkedIn

Newsletter Edition
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.