Insights From

Batten Institute

Interest Rates and Space: How Home Size Affects Consumer Spending

New research from UVA Darden Professor Dan Murphy reveals how home size and urban density affect consumer spending in unexpected ways.

Beyond COP29: A Novel Framework for Tackling Climate Change

Professor Saras Sarasvathy proposes a novel framework combining Elinor Ostrom’s institutional analysis and development model of collective action and effectuation to tackle climate change. Instead of relying on predictive top-down approaches, she advocates leveraging existing resources and partnerships while embracing unexpected opportunities.

What Is Electronic Voting, and Is it Secure?

With the U.S. presidential election looming, ballots, voting machines and election security are again in the news. UVA's David Nemer joins Good Disruption hosts Yael Grushka-Cockayne and Mike Lenox to discuss the role that culture and trust play in the acceptance of electronic voting and the importance of protecting the entire electoral process.

Good Disruption: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Utility-scale power plants have long dominated electricity distribution. Now, distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar are changing this model. DERs can disrupt the grid if poorly managed, but if integrated well, can enhance efficiency and resilience. This shift marks a significant change in how energy is generated and distributed.

Good Disruption: Social Media

Social media is one of the biggest and most controversial disruptions in the last decade, arguably the last several decades. Algorithms, meant to create a more personalized experience, are isolating users from diverse opinions and news sources. How ca we use AI and data to redefine the user experience on social media to achieve healthier outcomes?

Good Disruption: AI Companions

AI companions are designed to support the individual but what is the impact on broader society? Don’t we as humans get something out of supporting each other?

Launching a New Product or Business? Here’s a Framework for Success.

Launching a startup means navigating a world of unknowns. How can new entrepreneurs effectively manage this uncertainty? Darden Professor Saras Sarasvathy offers a solution with the CAVE framework.

AI Is Powerful But Is It Fair? This New Approach Levels the Playing Field.

New research aims to make AI systems fairer when assigning tasks or allocating resources, giving everyone an equal shot at getting what they want.

Autonomous Vehicles: A Winding Road Toward US Adoption

As the race for fully autonomous vehicles heats up, challenges remain on the road to widespread adoption. Key to overcoming these obstacles will be consumer acceptance, technological advances, and regulation.

Good Disruption: Autonomous Vehicles

How close are we to fully automated vehicles and how will transportation itself change as a result?