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It’s interesting to read @WiredUK article by @Gmvolpi telling story of London’s “Silicon Roundabout.” As someone very involved in building the ‘tech for good’ community at the time (tech rooted in social justice & public good) we didn’t stand a chance. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/silicon-roundabout-tech-city-property
Instead what those in power chose, and those involved chose, was to build a collective narrative only about economic growth. To shine a light on, and give power and praise to (mainly) tech bros making games, apps, doing ‘cool creative experiments’ and growing beards.
I used to be very self-critical about how the ‘tech for good’ community failed to build a coherent and compelling narrative but reading this I better understand what we were up against.
I wonder how different things might have been if the same people in that article had focussed on a different community trying to grow in London at that time (tech for good).They’d have been able to build a narrative about social value, social justice, equity and public interest.
Something more than hot air and toys for boys. That would’ve had long term roots and benefits. Instead they shaped a tech scene in London that encouraged extraction, displacement and a relentless focus on growth. That’s why values matter. And who shapes narratives matter.
And of course, slowly, like in Silicon Valley too, people in that community have been waking up to the idea (wether authentically or not I’m less clear)that maybe there are other things that need considering in life, that are less shiny, more equitable, and more responsible. 
‘Silicon Roundabout’ and all those involved in it, distracted people from what was really needed at that time. Like now, the values that underpin how we rebuild after an economic crisis will determine so much. It’s incredibly foolish to only focus on an economic recovery.
And for anyone interested, I did write about some of this story here. The evolution of ‘tech for good’ in the UK, where it came from and how it differed from the Silicon Roubdabout crowd. https://link.medium.com/3Kv3PdAVt8
