Rongchai Wang
Nov 01, 2024 18:21
Bailey Flanigan from Harvard introduces innovative algorithms for fair and manipulation-resistant sortition, advancing citizen assemblies and blockchain decision-making, as reported by a16z crypto.
Harvard’s Bailey Flanigan has unveiled groundbreaking algorithms designed to enhance the fairness and robustness of sortition, according to a16z crypto. Sortition, the process of selecting representatives through lottery, has seen renewed interest for its potential applications in citizens’ assemblies and blockchain governance.
Advancing Sortition Ideals
Flanigan’s work focuses on optimizing the three core ideals of sortition: proportional representation, equal opportunity for participation, and resistance to manipulation. These ideals are challenging to achieve in modern applications where participation cannot be mandated, leading to biases in voluntary opt-ins.
Her algorithms, developed with input from nonprofit organizations utilizing citizens’ assemblies, enforce approximate proportional representation as a primary constraint. They then aim to optimize the remaining ideals of equal participation and manipulation resistance through advanced mathematical formalizations using optimization, algorithms, and game theory.
Real-World Applications and Public Access
Flanigan’s algorithms have been successfully deployed in various high-profile citizens’ assemblies, providing a robust framework for decision-making processes that aim to be more inclusive and fair. These tools are made publicly available via Panelot.org, offering resources for practitioners seeking to implement fair sortition methods.
About Bailey Flanigan
Bailey Flanigan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. She holds a PhD in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University, where she was advised by Ariel Procaccia. Starting in Fall 2025, Flanigan will join MIT as an assistant professor in political science and computer science.
a16z Crypto Research
a16z crypto research is a multidisciplinary lab dedicated to solving critical problems in the cryptocurrency space and advancing internet technology. They work closely with portfolio companies and other stakeholders to innovate and improve the scientific and technological landscape.
For further insights and updates from a16z crypto, visit their website.
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At Extreme Investor Network, we delve deep into the latest innovations and advancements in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Today, we bring you an exclusive look at Harvard’s Bailey Flanigan and her groundbreaking algorithms that are revolutionizing the concept of sortition.
Bailey Flanigan’s work focuses on optimizing the core ideals of sortition, including proportional representation, equal opportunity for participation, and resistance to manipulation. In a world where biases can arise from voluntary participation, Flanigan’s algorithms provide a robust framework to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
These algorithms have already been successfully deployed in high-profile citizens’ assemblies, offering a glimpse into a future where decision-making processes are more transparent and equitable. Practitioners can access these tools through Panelot.org, making fair sortition methods more widely available.
Bailey Flanigan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. With a background in computer science and a dedication to enhancing democratic processes, Flanigan is paving the way for a more equitable future.
Join us at Extreme Investor Network as we continue to explore the latest research and developments in the crypto space. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from industry leaders like Bailey Flanigan and a16z crypto. Trust us to bring you the most cutting-edge information in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency.