Intelligence Squared Where Will the Next Tech Superpower Emerge? With Mehran Gul
6 snips
Jul 25, 2025 
Mehran Gul, a Financial Times/McKinsey Bracken Bower Prize winner and author of The New Geography of Innovation, discusses the shifting landscape of global tech innovation. He argues that the U.S.-China rivalry overshadows emerging tech powerhouses. Gul emphasizes the importance of cultural and contextual influences on innovation, exploring how different nations are redefining their approaches. The conversation also highlights the evolution of artificial intelligence and the diverse drivers behind technological breakthroughs across the globe.
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Beyond US-China Tech Rivalry
- The US-China tech rivalry dominates discourse but overlooks innovation in other regions.
- Countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Far East need to be included in the global tech conversation.
Silicon Valley's Strategic Roots
- Silicon Valley's origin lies in defense contracts and Stanford's wartime partnership.
- Despite challenges, it's poised to lead next major tech wave: AI.
Valley's Unique Innovation Ecosystem
- Silicon Valley thrives due to open talent flow, non-compete laws, and venture capital.
- Its networked ecosystem contrasts East Coast's cluster model, fueling innovation.
