real innovation leaves no one behind

I was in a toilet, somewhere, when I saw that there was a sensor instead of a flush button. I remember thinking what an impressive feat of innovation that was, allowing us to prevent a great deal of communicable diseases and just a pleasant, hygienic experience. But then it dawned on me that whilst it may be great for me as a sighted person, it would definitely be a step back for people with blindness or other vision impairments, especially when considering that there aren't any additional features that cater to their needs.

In the world of innovation, there is a basic reality that is often ignored: true innovation leaves no one behind. We need to remember that the true measure of progress lies not in the exclusivity of innovation, but in its inclusivity. Not only is it important, but it is necessary for any real innovation to ensure that the fruits of advancements serve all, including the vulnerable and marginalised.

Musk’s ventures in both SpaceX and Neuralink serve as poignant illustrations that capture the essence of both ends of the spectrum. On the one side, we have the SpaceX Mars program, a useless endeavour that seeks to solve a non-problem to sate the insatiable few who have already eaten more than their fill here on Earth. If SpaceX is successful in the colonisation of Mars, it would only serve the privileged upper class and would remain out of reach for the vast majority who are grappling with real problems.

Neuralink, however, whilst still catering to the top 1%, is also able to serve the rest of the population, especially in the context of healthcare. The ability to serve marginalised groups, particularly those who are paralysed presents an opportunity that would have been unfathomable 50 years ago. By embracing the social model of disability, which shifts our focus from viewing individuals with disabilities as inherently impaired, to recognising that societal barriers and limitations are what truly hinder them, Neuralink could be revolutionary in enabling people to engage in the world in ways that they want to - just as those who wear glasses and those who find solace in prosthetics (to an extent).

There is nothing more useless than raising the ceiling without also raising the floor - real innovation leaves no one behind - it’s something that benefits both the privileged and the underprivileged/marginalised.