In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Srnicek, one of the most influential thinkers on platform capitalism, AI, and power.His work has shaped how policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs understand platforms, data, and technological control. And his insights could not be more timely. Across Europe, the US, and beyond, defense spending is rising fast.Military Keynesianism is no longer a theoretical concept. It is the dominant macro strategy. But here’s the problem: 👉 Money creates momentum. Diffusion creates impact.And these two are increasingly disconnected. In our conversation, Nick makes a point that reframes the entire debate: There’s a lot to be gained by diffusion, not just by pushing the frontier. That single idea explains why so many innovation strategies look strong on paper…and fail to scale, spill over, or survive funding cycles. In this episode, you’ll discover: * Why innovation without diffusion concentrates power instead of creating ecosystems * How platforms and AI reshape who captures value, even in publicly funded research * Why chasing technological frontiers is often a losing strategy for smaller economies * How Military Keynesianism creates short-term stability but long-term lock-in risks * What researchers and startups can do now to avoid dead-end trajectories * One simple test to assess whether your project survives beyond today’s priorities This episode is not about ideology.It’s about winning and avoiding losses in a world of fast-changing funding logics. It also connects directly to the framework I develop in my new book: 📘 Transition Science In The EconomyA practical way to understand why static indicators like GDP, R&D spending, or budget size tell you how much, but not where you are heading. This episode is the applied version of that framework. ▶️ Watch or Listen to the Full Episode Watch the full episode: * On Substack: https://fernandocgaspar.substack.com/podcast * On YouTube (video): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhPsYe80-Wq1bOuVZmZGso_Kr3W8biIpx&si=2fr5iVhGLEwo2F3j Listen (audio only): * On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bX13RniDhbH0w2PbWKklS?si=3a551f25f3a4458a * On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innoveu-the-eu-project-chronicles/id1740105796 📘 My New Book If you want to go deeper into economic transitions, innovation, war economy dynamics, and long-term trajectories, this episode is based on my new book: 👉 Transition Science In The Economyhttps://a.co/d/c7RoOA4 It’s the full framework behind AWTY and the five transitions shaping Europe’s future. 🧠 My Digital Tools for Proposal Writing If your goal is to win more EU funding, save time, and reduce risk, these two tools are designed for you: 🤖 SmartProposal AI Your AI co-pilot for improving EU proposals line by line using evaluator criteria.Clearer structure. Stronger logic. Higher chances. 👉 https://rpb.li/YAm2E 🤝 Build Winning Consortia GPT A practical tool to map, assess, and strengthen partnerships so you build consortia that win, not just apply. 👉 https://payhip.com/b/vEPZd Used by researchers, project managers, universities, and SMEs across Europe. 🌍 Let’s Grow This Community If you enjoyed this episode: * 👍 Like the podcast on your favorite platform * ⭐ Subscribe on Substack or any podcast app * 🔁 Restack this post on Substack * 💬 Leave a comment, I read and reply * 📤 Share it with colleagues working on EU-funded projects and innovation * 🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn for shorter insights:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandoacgaspar/ 🎙️ Want to be featured on the podcast?Send me a private message and let’s schedule a conversation. Europe’s transitions are already reshaping our future.Your project might be part of that story. Get full access to Polis Doxa - The Transitions Letter at fernandocgaspar.substack.com/subscribe
