Neil Perkin

📰 2012 in London, highlighted the harmony of systems and empathy, crucial for successful cities. Efficient logistics and human connection marked the Olympics' success, powered by 70,000 volunteers. AI's potential impact on jobs, slower than expected, hasn't disrupted roles like radiologists due to AI's limitations in adaptability. In 2016, Charles Leadbetter argued cities' success stems from the blend of infrastructure and social connection, urging the integration of empathy in system design to balance efficiency with humanity.

💻 Health New Zealand used a single Excel spreadsheet to track $28 billion of public funds, as reported by an article citing an independent Deloitte report. The outdated technology reliance was called a ‘major issue’. In 2020, nearly 16,000 COVID cases went unreported in England due to an old Excel file format limiting data rows, leading to incomplete data over eight days. The European Spreadsheet Risks Interest Group estimates that 90% of spreadsheets contain errors, leading to various costly mistakes worldwide, such as an input error costing a state fund in Ireland €750,000.