Tech for Non-Techies 232. Why Governments Are Tech's Most Powerful (and Overlooked) Innovators
Think Silicon Valley was built by brilliant founders and venture capital? Think again.
Governments have been the secret force behind every major tech breakthrough - and understanding this could be crucial for your success, whether you are an innovator or an investor.
Economist Mariana Mazzucato 's groundbreaking book "The Entrepreneurial State" shows an often ignored truth: from the iPhone to GPS, the biggest innovations in tech came from government funding, because early stage innovation is too risky for venture capital.
Listen to this episode to learn:
- Why every technology in your iPhone started with government funding
- What a "regulatory sandbox" is and why it matters for innovation
- Why the "lone genius founder" myth is dangerous for investors
- How to spot government support that could give your company an edge
- Case studies from Silicon Valley, Singapore and Bahrain
Whether you're a policymaker, founder, or investor, this episode will change how you think about innovation - and might just change where you choose to build your next venture.
For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/232-why-governments-are-tech-s-most-powerful-and-overlooked-innovators
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Government in Tech Innovation
05:40 The iPhone: A Case Study in Government Funding
07:30 Government Laying the Foundation
09:00 Italian Renaissance Case Study
10:26 Government as a Patron of Innovation
17:00 Lessons from Singapore and Bahrain
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