Bernie Siu's Profile

Leila, thank you for sharing this interesting and potentially concerning application of machine learning and predictive analytics with respect to our communities. As someone who has spent most of my life in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, I had no idea that technologies like PredPol have been implemented in the communities I live in or around. I agree with Nancy that statistics and data science are ways to check against biases, particularly with respect to particularly race and socioeconomic status. I would further add that I think at a local, state, and federal government level, policies need to be enacted to regulate how these technologies are used — with input from experts in the field. Unchecked, I could see technologies like PredPol being used as “quantitative” proof reinforcing existing systemic bias.

Fascinating piece on additive manufacturing in an industry typically not associated with 3D printing, Arting! I definitely recall the splash of news following the 2015 Chanel show regarding the 3D printed pieces. And I certainly agree that a risk of using more 3D printing technologies in fashion risks counterfeits and mimicry from others. I echo Irene’s points around how Chanel can take advantage of this “first-mover” position in 3D printing — are there trends and accessories that they can drive with 3D printing? Perhaps even an extension of that — do you think that fashion should move further into technology? Should Chanel invest in selling a home 3D printer that can make custom mascara or lipstick colors? Or Chanel-branded fashion accessories? Or would these technologies further risk cannibalization of the luxury status brand if there are counterfeits?

Ti, this is a fascinating take on how J&J can utilize additive manufacturing both in supply chain perspective and a product perspective. I agree with your suggestions to take a multi-prong approach and using advancements in this technology on multiple fronts. A challenge I would add for J&J is developing expertise with innovative medical 3D printing products for healthcare purposes, perhaps by acquiring a company or investing in a startup. If we look ahead into the future of orthopedics or oral maxillofacial surgery, there is promise in using additive manufacturing technology on a real-time basis with patient-specific implants, structures, or even drug delivery devices.

Alexa, it is very interesting to see machine learning implemented in a hospital setting, particularly at such a renowned institution as Hopkins. I do believe that institutions like Hopkins should share their learnings with other institutions to encourage better healthcare management and operations, particularly because it can help with the systemic issue of rising healthcare costs. An extension of this question is whether or not GE Healthcare Partners should offer some of these services and technologies at a discounted rate or at cost for hospitals that are struggling to stay afloat. A different question from a leadership and management perspective is how a “command center” should be launched in institutions — should implementation be slow and steady with one department tested at a time? Or should the system be applied broadly and all data fed in at once? How should hospitals take the recommendations from the command center? And what quality initiatives can be combined with the learnings from these tools that can improve service, reduce costs or errors, and ultimately hopefully improve patient outcomes?

Oliver, I really enjoyed this deeper dive into Valve’s approach to open innovation, particularly the Steam API. It certainly makes sense that as the hardware landscape changes, Valve will need to continue to push for PC gaming in comparison to Sony’s Playstation and Microsoft’s Xbox. Given their prior success in using open innovation to drive new game ideas and “mods”, I wonder if Valve should fund a similar effort in hardware? Can open innovation help Valve encourage PC gamers and development of gaming hardware with the PC? Should Valve open the specs of their existing controller to allow enthusiasts to tinker and improve upon their hardware?

This is a very interesting post, particularly given the magnitude and focus on the national issue of opioid abuse. “Hack-a-thons” and “code-a-thons” have are increasingly used amongst various fields and industries to drive innovative new ideas. Applying open innovation to the opioid epidemic is a very reasonable next step for HHS. And it’s certainly intriguing that several promising solutions stemmed from this 2017 Code-a-Thon. But I would echo Kaleigh’s concerns with respect to low information (on research of the end user) and skills and resources of the submission teams. Time will tell if the $10,000 prizes are creating sustainable and meaningful innovation. Justin, I agree that front-line providers need to be involved in these innovative efforts. I would also challenge HHS to incorporate health policy and public health expertise in these challenges. For instance, many physicians need additional training and licensing to prescribe suboxone (long-term treatment for tapering off opioid addiction) or administer naloxone (treatment for opiate overdose). How can solutions from these HHS challenges integrate new ideas and solutions to the opioid crisis into a complex healthcare landscape?