Not to speak for Linch, but my understanding of Lizka’s overall point is that IIDM-style work that is not sufficiently well-targeted could be net-negative. A lot of people think of IIDM work primarily from a tools- and techniques-based lens (think e.g. forecasting), which means that more advanced tools could be used by any institution to further its aims, no matter whether those aims are good/productive or not. (They could also be put to use to further good aims but still not result in better decisions because of other institutional dysfunctions.) This lens is in contrast to the approach that Effective Institutions Project is taking to the issue, which considers institutions on a case-by-case basis and tries to understand what interventions would cause those specific institutions to contribute more to the net good of humanity.
This lens is in contrast to the approach that Effective Institutions Project is taking to the issue, which considers institutions on a case-by-case basis and tries to understand what interventions would cause those specific institutions to contribute more to the net good of humanity.
I’m excited about this! Do people on the Effective Institutions Project consider these institutions from a LT lens? If so, do they mostly have a “broad tent” approach to LT impacts, or more of a “targeted/narrow theory of change” approach?
Yes, we have an institutional prioritization analysis in progress that uses both neartermist and longtermist lenses explicitly and also tries to triangulate between them (in the spirit of Sam’s advice that “Doing Both Is Best”). We’ll be sending out a draft for review towards the end of this month and I’d be happy to include you in the distribution list if interested.
With respect to LT impact/issues, it is a broad tent approach although the theory of change to make change in an institution could be more targeted depending on the specific circumstances of that institution.
Not to speak for Linch, but my understanding of Lizka’s overall point is that IIDM-style work that is not sufficiently well-targeted could be net-negative. A lot of people think of IIDM work primarily from a tools- and techniques-based lens (think e.g. forecasting), which means that more advanced tools could be used by any institution to further its aims, no matter whether those aims are good/productive or not. (They could also be put to use to further good aims but still not result in better decisions because of other institutional dysfunctions.) This lens is in contrast to the approach that Effective Institutions Project is taking to the issue, which considers institutions on a case-by-case basis and tries to understand what interventions would cause those specific institutions to contribute more to the net good of humanity.
I’m excited about this! Do people on the Effective Institutions Project consider these institutions from a LT lens? If so, do they mostly have a “broad tent” approach to LT impacts, or more of a “targeted/narrow theory of change” approach?
Yes, we have an institutional prioritization analysis in progress that uses both neartermist and longtermist lenses explicitly and also tries to triangulate between them (in the spirit of Sam’s advice that “Doing Both Is Best”). We’ll be sending out a draft for review towards the end of this month and I’d be happy to include you in the distribution list if interested.
With respect to LT impact/issues, it is a broad tent approach although the theory of change to make change in an institution could be more targeted depending on the specific circumstances of that institution.