KERA's Think The reboot of Silicon Valley
4 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Mike Isaac, a Silicon Valley and technology reporter for The New York Times, dives into the dramatic changes in Silicon Valley amidst the rise of A.I. He discusses how the pandemic transformed work culture and hiring practices, steering the focus from software to hard tech. Isaac sheds light on the growing intersection of technology and defense sectors, as well as the evolving political landscape. He also reflects on the unpredictable innovations in A.I. and their unexpected popularity, reshaping the future of work and tech employment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hardware Returns To Center Stage
- Startups now prioritize chips, GPUs and defense-related hardware to power advanced AI applications.
- This recalls Silicon Valley's earlier era when government and DARPA undergirded innovation.
New Appetite For Defense Contracts
- Younger Valley entrepreneurs embrace 'American dynamism' and seek government and defense partnerships.
- Companies pursue contracts for drones and AI systems that assist defense and intelligence work.
The 'Liberalitarian' Political Mix
- Silicon Valley politics blend liberal social views with libertarian, pro-market instincts.
- The term 'liberalitarian' captures socially liberal yet anti-regulation tech attitudes.