THE SILICON EMPIRE VS SOCIAL IMPACT: DigitalPublic Infrastructure, Competition, and the Road to Inclusive Innovation
The discussion will unpack how a South African civic-tech startup stood up to one of the world’s most powerful corporations and what this means for the future of competition, democracy, and innovation.
Event information
The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship invites you to join us for this talk - THE SILICON EMPIRE VS SOCIAL IMPACT: DigitalPublic Infrastructure, Competition, and the Road to Inclusive Innovation - that explores the landmark GovChat vs Meta legal case and its broader implications for digital sovereignty, public interest technology, and startup resilience in Africa.
The discussion will unpack how a South African civic-tech startup stood up to one of the world’s most powerful corporations and what this means for the future of competition, democracy, and innovation.
Drawing from his new book and global speaking tour, Prof Eldrid Jordaan will share lessons on building purpose-driven technology and redefining power in the digital age.
Speakers
Prof Eldrid Jordaan
As founder of GovChat, South Africa’s largest civic engagement platform, Jordaan played a pivotal role during the COVID 19 pandemic, enabling millions to access public services through innovative digital tools. He later co-founded Suppple PLC, an AI-powered civic tech company achieving a £200 million IPO on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, aimed at democratizing information access.
A former Ministerial Special Advisor on digital strategy, Jordaan has shaped national digital policies and platforms. He now serves as Professor of Practice at Johannesburg Business School,University of Johannesburg driving thought leadership in digital transformation, governance innovation, and inclusive public service delivery.