100% Utilization: Why Infinite Computing Is an Illusion with Prof. Andrew Lison

Professor Andrew Lison, Associate Professor in the Department of Media Study at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) unpacked the key themes of his book, 100% Utilization: Computation and Labor after Moore's Law. Since CPU clock speeds plateaued around 2004, the tech industry has faced the physical limits of computing, shifting focus from hardware windfalls to software efficiency, parallel processing, and specialized silicon. Dr. Lison notes that while AI excels at parallelizable workloads, it struggles to replicate human fine motor skills, care work, and emotional connection. Consequently, businesses must prepare for computing resource constraints rather than assuming infinite scalability. Addressing higher education and policy, Dr. Lison advocates for combining low-level computer science skills with a strong liberal arts foundation to foster human critical thinking. He warns against Silicon Valley's overhyped innovation narratives and highlights post-Moore labor risks, ranging from increased worker exploitation to potential economic shifts as human-centered labor grows in relative value. This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. Disclaimer: 1. The background music incorporated in this video is the intellectual property of its respective developer and is protected under applicable copyright laws. Notwithstanding that it is a free-to-use version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy, and Deepak Bhatt do not own, and expressly do not claim, any rights, title, or interest in or to this music. 2. Dr. Andrew Lison shared key insights from his book, “100% Utilization: Computation and Labor After Moore's Law”, in an engaging episode of the Business Talk podcast. The uploaded video contains copyrighted content, so changing any graphics, music, or on-screen appearance of the author or host is not allowed.