Tech for Non-Techies

232. Why Governments Are Tech's Most Powerful (and Overlooked) Innovators

Dec 11, 2024

21:23

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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by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago