A Gunter Pauli Talk on the “Innovation for Net Zero”

Chaos and Insights: A Reflection on Innovation and Sustainability

This was my first time attending a talk since I started working in Hsinchu, and it created chaos once again in my limited reconnaissance. The atmosphere was buzzing as staff whispered anxiously, walking restlessly down the aisles, wondering if the professor would make it. They were also murmuring about the next presenter — Ms. Daisy L. Hung. “Check her schedule…” you could hear them say, their nerves palpable. You can imagine the pressure on the event organizers when the presenter is recognized as a giant in their field.

The talk unfolded like a movie, jumping through the evolution of human history and touching on economics, entrepreneurship, biology, and aerospace. It was all about combining cash flow with an efficient business model. Stan Shih (施振榮), founder of Acer, and Mr. Pauli had both been honored as Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World back in 1983. So, naturally, Mr. Shih invited Dr. Pauli to give a speech at his alma mater.

Dr. Pauli talked about “Blue Economics” as an alternative to the more familiar “Green Economics.” His speech was peppered with provocative questions that hit the audience like a barrage of missiles: “Can you tell the difference between a male or a female fish?” He explained how this knowledge could help ensure sustainable fishing by avoiding pregnant females, a small but vital detail in maintaining abundant fish populations.