David Drummond (Google Chief Legal Officer) – Big Tent Seoul Conference (Nov 2012)

Chapters

Abstract

Expert Analysis on Google’s Innovation Path and Its Global Impact

Google’s Innovation Philosophy and Its Global Reach: An Insightful Dialogue with David Drummond

In an engaging session hosted by Wang Sang-an at the Big Tent Seoul afternoon event, David Drummond, the Chief Legal Officer of Alphabet Inc., delved into the essence of innovation at Google. Drummond’s insights spanned various facets of Google’s innovation strategy, its challenges in preserving a culture of creativity, the influence of legal landscapes, and the company’s role in shaping global technological and cultural landscapes. Particularly striking were his thoughts on the impact of internet regulation and education systems on innovation, with specific references to the Korean context.

Google’s Innovation Ethos:

Google’s mantra, “Healthy Disregard for the Impossible,” reflects its aim to achieve impactful novelty. Drummond emphasized that innovation at Google is not just about technical advancements but also about creating significant societal impacts. The company’s strategy is rooted in forming nimble teams, nurturing an environment of mutual respect, and enabling creativity.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Google seeks to preserve and make cultural heritage, history, art, and music more accessible through the web. This effort aims to strengthen and extend cultural traditions rather than destabilize them.

The Challenge of Sustaining Innovation:

As Google grows, maintaining its foundational spirit of innovation becomes increasingly complex. Drummond highlighted the continuous effort to combat “big company-itis,” ensuring that Google’s ambition to achieve monumental feats does not wane in the face of its expanding scale.

Balancing Innovation and Tradition:

Innovation at Google is not limited to new technologies. The company recognizes the value of preserving and extending traditional cultural aspects.

Creative Destruction and Disruption:

Google recognizes that innovation can lead to creative destruction, where new technologies replace older ones. However, it also believes in the coexistence of innovation with existing systems. A prime example is Google’s self-driving cars, aimed at creatively disrupting the automotive industry by addressing the root cause of road accidents: human error.

Innovation Strategy:

Google’s innovation strategy has been to create a platform that allows talented individuals to come up with new ideas and develop them into products. The company focuses on putting people together in small teams, providing them with resources, and giving them the freedom to pursue their creative ideas.

Self-Driving Cars as an Example of Creative Destruction:

Drummond suggests that self-driving cars are an example of creative destruction, as they have the potential to eliminate the need for human drivers and reduce the number of cars on the road. This could lead to increased traffic safety, reduced traffic congestion, and a more efficient transportation system.

Beyond Technology: Preserving Cultural Heritage:

Google’s innovation extends into preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By leveraging the web, the company aims to make cultural experiences more accessible, showcasing the cultural impact of technology.

Global Perspectives: Korean Internet and Education Systems:

Drummond expressed concerns about Korea’s stringent internet regulations, suggesting they might inhibit startup growth and innovation. He also questioned the impact of Korea’s highly competitive education system on innovation and entrepreneurship, while acknowledging its role in producing intelligent individuals.

Drummond’s Observations on Korea’s Internet Regulation, Education, and His Own Education:

– Drummond noted the talent and creativity in Korea and the potential for internet growth and innovation.

– He suggested that Korea consider a more balanced approach to internet regulation, fostering growth and entrepreneurship.

– Drummond expressed concerns about the highly competitive nature of the Korean education system and its potential impact on innovation and entrepreneurialism.

– He emphasized the importance of factors beyond the school system in driving innovation and entrepreneurialism, downplaying the role of formal education in his success.

Education and Success: A Personal Take:

Interestingly, Drummond attributed his success not to formal education but to practical experiences, particularly at Google. This perspective aligns with his concerns about the declining quality of the U.S. education system and the need to produce individuals with diverse skills and aptitudes.

Collaboration and Regulation:

Drummond underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the internet sector in addressing regulatory challenges. He proposed a balanced approach to regulation, emphasizing the need to weigh potential benefits and drawbacks.

Cultural Innovation and the Internet:

The session also touched upon the role of the internet in fostering global citizenship and understanding. Drummond and Wang discussed the potential of the internet to either unite or divide, stressing the need for conscious efforts to bridge cultural gaps.

Exploring Common Ground for Innovation:

The dialogue highlighted the importance of identifying common interests between Google and Korea. Drummond acknowledged Korea’s significant global influence and expressed Google’s desire to collaborate with Korean institutions and individuals.

Drummond on Cultural Exchange, Innovation, and Partnerships:

– Drummond emphasized the significance of cultural exchange through the internet in fostering understanding and respect among cultures.

– Google aims to partner with Korean institutions and individuals who share this vision of cultural exchange.

– Drummond highlighted Korea’s disproportionate impact on the world in terms of ingenuity and cultural influence.

– Google seeks to partner with Korean entities to drive innovation and bring Korean culture to a global audience.

Google in Korea:

Google’s initiatives in Korea, such as the Go Global Developers Program, demonstrate its commitment to fostering Korean talent and promoting its culture globally. Drummond emphasized the criteria for Google’s partnerships, focusing on uniqueness, shared values, and expertise.

Navigating Legal Landscapes:

Drummond’s discussion extended to the legal challenges faced by Google. He described how Google’s innovative approaches often push against existing legal frameworks, attracting litigation. Google’s response involves strategic litigation to protect user interests and a focus on innovation despite legal hurdles.

Google’s Legal Issues:

– Google’s innovative products and services often push up against traditional legal ideas and laws, leading to litigation.

– As a successful company, Google is often targeted by those seeking financial gain through lawsuits.

– Google deliberately pushes the boundaries of certain laws, such as copyright protection, to create better laws for the Internet and protect freedom of expression.

Reasons for the High Number of Legal Issues:

– Google’s business practices often involve new and untested areas of law, leading to disputes and litigation.

– Google’s success attracts legal challenges from competitors and other parties seeking to gain an advantage.

– Google’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of existing laws sometimes leads to legal challenges.

Google’s Motivation for Litigation:

– Google’s litigation efforts are primarily driven by a desire to protect its users and the ecosystem it has created.

– Google also engages in litigation to create better laws for the Internet and to protect freedom of expression.

– Google’s legal strategy is focused on defending its products and services while also advocating for favorable legal outcomes that benefit its users and the broader technology industry.



This session offered a comprehensive overview of Google’s innovation ethos and its multifaceted impacts. It underscored the significance of fostering an environment conducive to creativity, the challenges of sustaining innovation in a growing company, and the role of legal and educational systems in shaping the innovation landscape. Drummond’s insights reveal Google’s commitment not only to technological advancement but also to cultural preservation and global connectivity, emphasizing the company’s profound influence on the world stage.

Notes by: Simurgh