Five books to read before the end of the year

Our obsession with tools, KPIs, meetings and self-optimization has created a pseudo‑productivity trap in which we are constantly busy at the expense of creating impact. In conversations with academics and practitioners, Markus shows how “applied adhocracy” might be a way out of this trap. Markus and I also launched Work/Code this year, a newsletter about the impact of AI on work – subscribe for free if you haven’t already! (Affiliate Link)

Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion writes about my favorite topic in economics: The importance of institutions to shape inventives for innovation and allow start ups to compete with incumbents. But equally important, institutions shape how innovation gains are distributed and therefore create social acceptance for innovation. (Affiliate Link)

I have written about this subject here.

We are in the midst of a geopolitical race in frontier AI technology – and Europe seems to be behind already. Using historical case studies, Jeffrey Dings shows that the ability to quickly absorb new technologies and drive adoption is a more powerful predictor of political power than actually inventing it – an important reminder for Europe to foster diffusion as much as at propping research. (Affiliate Link)

Keith’s 2014 bestseller “Never Eat Alone” revolutionized how people approach networking. His focus has since evolved, shifting towards how teams can master the art of “co-elevation” and boost collective effectiveness. This year, I had the privilege to meet Keith and many other inspiring humans through the Beyond Connections programme, which was a transformative experience! If you want to learn more about the programme, reach out to me! (Affiliate Link)

“How Progress Ends” explores the importance of political structures for sustaining innovation, based on historical examples from across the globe. While bureaucracies are well-suited for catching up to frontier technologies, decentralised political structures are better to drive new innovations. Carl Benedikt’s book “The Technology Trap” was my most recommended book of the past five years and “How Progress Ends” is a worthwhile successor! (Affiliate Link)

Markus and I have also been able to interview Carl Benedikt for our Work/Code newsletter.

With an empty bookshelf, I am looking for new things to read over the holidays – leave your book recommendations in the comments!