Scale Ruins Everything

I’ve been thinking a lot about this. There seems to be an “optimal” scale for tech — Google used to be amazing and wonderful about a decade ago, until it reached a certain scale. So were Facebook, etc. And even the positive effects of darling unicorns like Uber and Airbnb are actually more in the business model they pioneered, rather than the app itself. In Eastern Europe I use Uber alternatives which are usually about as good as Uber or better. Only Airbnb is a “naturally” global company by its very nature, because it is for travel.

Maybe the natural limit to scale should be state sovereignty (i.e. protectionism). I actually believe that consumers benefit if countries ban or tax the likes of Uber and promote a homegrown alternative. (Imagine if each country had its own Google customized to the local language and culture, it might actually be a better experience for everyone). I’ve heard that Baidu and Yandex are better than Google for local content.

Too bad the EU didn’t catch on with this. Europe could’ve outcompeted the US by playing a different game on quality and boutique charm instead of scale. Instead of pathetically trying to become a large homogeneous market like the US (and then failing badly and then regulating “privacy” out of spite), the EU should’ve actually been protectionist in favor of its members and it would’ve been interesting to see what marvels could originate.