Martin Vohánka: Technology, Democracy, and Human Connection

The guest of the course 3PO544: Managing the Growth of New Business was Martin Vohánka, founder of Eurowag and an active philanthropist. In his compelling talk, he shared not only his entrepreneurial journey but also deeper reflections on the role of technology, democracy, and human interaction in today’s society.

Using a range of examples, he illustrated how each new technology can trigger waves of democratization – from the invention of the printing press and the rise of private ownership to today’s ability for individuals to publish and share their ideas freely.

At the same time, he warned of the risks associated with an increasingly automated digital environment and called for the implementation of human verification to curb the spread of disinformation and the influence of automated accounts. He emphasized the urgent need to revise algorithms that often trap users in echo chambers, thereby threatening the openness of the public sphere.

As an example of his civic engagement, he mentioned his support for the film Waves (Vlny in Czech), which captures the events of 1968.

He also introduced students to the concept of the second wave of economic transformation, which he co-initiated with the aim of strengthening the Czech Republic’s competitiveness, fostering sustainability, enhancing social cohesion, and supporting domestic innovation.

We thank Martin for his inspiring insights and look forward to future encounters!

November 10, 2025