Olivier Babeau keynotes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Olivier Babeau – Economist, Philosopher & Thinker on Technology, Effort, and Society
Olivier Babeau is a renowned economist, essayist, and public intellectual whose work explores the cultural, economic, and philosophical impacts of technological transformation. A professor at the University of Bordeaux, he is also the president and founder of Institut Sapiens, an independent think tank dedicated to analyzing how digital technologies disrupt our economy, values, and democratic institutions.
A graduate of ENS Paris-Saclay and ESCP, with degrees in both economics and philosophy, Olivier holds an agrégation in economics and a PhD in management sciences. His past roles include teaching at Sciences Po and Université Paris-Dauphine, and writing speeches for top-tier French political leaders—including ministers, prime ministers, and presidential candidates.
A sharp critic of digital excess and passive modernity, his bestselling books The Tyranny of Entertainment, The Age of Laziness, and The New Digital Disorder argue for a return to depth, resilience, and intellectual effort in a world addicted to immediacy. Frequently featured in French media, Olivier brings clarity and provocation to stages where societal reflection meets public debate.
Notable Achievements
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President and founder of Institut Sapiens, a leading French think tank on tech and society
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Awarded the Zerilli-Marimo Prize (2022) by the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences
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Author of several acclaimed essays, including The New Digital Disorder (Turgot Prize, 2022)
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Media commentator on economic and cultural affairs (radio, TV, print)
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Co-chair of Les Rencontres des Sablons, France’s major think tank forum
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Frequent guest speaker at high-level cultural, political, and academic forums
Language spoken by the keynote speaker:
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French
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English
🔹 Key Themes
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The Tyranny of Entertainment: Attention, time, and the decline of deep thought
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The Age of Laziness: Motivation, perseverance, and the value of effort
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AI and Human Autonomy: Ethics, responsibility, and the boundaries of delegation
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Technology and Inequality: Digital disruption and social fracture
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Philosophy of Effort: Work, resilience, and intellectual stamina in modern life
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Reclaiming Boredom and Idleness: Space for creation and reflection
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Democracy in the Digital Era: The state, the citizen, and algorithmic influence
In an age of overstimulation, declining attention spans, and digital dependence, Olivier Babeau’s keynotes confront uncomfortable truths: that we may be losing our capacity to think, strive, and act freely. Combining academic rigour with accessible language, he dissects the roots of social laziness, challenges passive consumerism, and brings philosophical and ethical insights to the future of AI. Whether speaking to business leaders, policymakers, or educators, Olivier’s talks push audiences to rethink what it means to be human in the 21st century.
