The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Stanford Business Books) (Paperback)

~ Chong-Moon Lee (Editor), William Miller (Editor), Marguerite Hancock (Editor), Henry Rowen (Editor), William F. Miller (Author), Marguerite Gong Hancock (Author), Henry S. Rowen (Author)

The editors (all connected with Stanford Universiy) use contributions from 25 authors, business professionals, and academics to trace the unique evolution of Silicon Valley from 1949 to the present. Focusing on the seminal importance of Stanford University, Hewlett-Packard, Fairchild Semiconductor, Xerox PARC, and Apple Computer, they provide an insider’s view of what makes Silicon Valley such a dynamic center of innovation. The essays consider key players and ten crucial features that have molded the region’s explosive growth, revealing the unique circumstances that help Valley organizations, communities, and workers respond to internal and external opportunities and threats. Against this backdrop, we learn of the many challenges Valley residents face today, including a structural shift from hardware to software, a slowdown in employment growth and profits, a declining quality of life, a shortage of skilled workers, and a rapidly expanding digital divide. This solid work is recommended for both academic and larger public libraries.DNorman B. Hutcherson, California State Univ., Bakersfield

All the time, people wonder “Why is Silicon Valley so awesome?” Now, obviously there’s the smart people, the great restaurants, the great night life (nola’s in palo alto?), the great shopping (Santana Row!), and the great abundance of Fry’s. And high housing costs ensuring people work their hardest.

But… there’s more! There’s the innovation. There’s the risk taking. There’s the riches. It’s what keeps attracting people from around to this humble valley (that just happens to be the best in the world). Learn more about the edge here, so you can understand why we’ll never lose it, why others can only dream of having it, and why this will ensure house prices continue to soar.

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