Innovation in Real Places

[A] compelling and timely book * Kevin Morgan, Regional Studies *
Want to be an innovation hot spot? Don't copy Silicon Valley... we should remember what innovation is and why we care about it. The first part comes down to realising that innovation is not invention. * John Morgan, The Times Higher Education *
The abiding message of Breznitz's book is that it is a mistake to assume that "what works in one time and one place will always work across time and space... a defense of experiments, mistakes, and the right to choose. * William H. Jeneway, Project Syndicate *
In this fascinating book, Breznitz, a professor at the Munk School at the University of Toronto, argues that innovation is 'the only way to ensure sustained long-term economic and human-welfare growth'. But, crucially, 'innovation is not invention, nor is it high-tech and the creation of new technology and gadgets". It is "the complete process of taking new ideas and devising new or improved products and services.' This Catholicism gives fascinating insights. * Martin Wolf, Financial Times *
This book provides valuable guidance for all governmental or business leaders who are trying to find sustainable solutions in the midst of turbulent circumstances. Technology provides enormous opportunities, but these will be realized only through excellent leadership and management. * Aho Esko, former Prime Minister of Finland *
Writing a book with advice to local leaders on how to create innovative ecosystems, which are resistant to the centrifugal forces of globalization, was a brilliant idea. This book proves that a precisely structured narrative can be a powerful tool to communicate the results of excellent academic research. * Marek Belka, former Prime Minister of Poland; Head of the Central Bank of Poland *
A must-read book for researchers, mayors, economic developers and all those concerned with building more innovative and inclusive places. Breznitz combines cutting-edge research on innovative clusters and ecosystems, with laser-like focus on what works and what does not. His book provides a much-needed reminder that Silicon Valley is the wrong model: Cities across the world must forged their own unique paths and strategies for innovation and prosperity. * Richard Florida, author of Rise of the Creative Class *
Breznitz's brilliant research on innovation and growth strategies coupled with a meticulous focus on explaining what does is means in practical terms for local leaders, makes is a must read for anyone who cares about their community. A truly important book and a highly enjoyable read. * Thierry Mandon, Former Minister of Public Accounts and State Reform and Minister of Higher Education and Research, France *
In writing this highly engaging and accessible book, Breznitz has done an important public service. Readers interested in the future of innovation and prosperity will avail themselves of not only the most cutting-edge research, but also understand how it applies to their own community. Breznitz's provocative arguments against the Silicon Valley model and the Venture Capital Industry caused me to nod my head in agreement as the former Chief Scientist of Israel and wince in pain as an active Venture Capitalist at the same time. This's a tour de force and a must read for policy makers and concerned, but hopeful, citizens. * Avi Hasson, former Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy of the State of Israel *
Finally, a book which is not only a masterful piece of research but is also extremely useful for policy makers. This very well written and superbly research book is a much-needed eye opener for the multiple opportunities that exist in our globalized world. * Victor Sánchez Urrutia, National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation, Panama *
Dan Breznitz has written a terrific piece which has influenced my thinking about the varied and multifaceted approaches to innovation that we need dependent on place. * Ro Khanna, Member of Congress *
The 'problem with startup ecosystems' says Breznitz, 'is the assumption of homogeneity. They think about their whole population as potential founders of new companies.' They need to instead 'realize that people have experience and capacities at all ages, all backgrounds. What a 45-year-old needs to start a real company is completely different from what three 22-year-olds will need.' This is exactly right-and something that I explore in my own book (if I can get it finished)." * Dane Stangler, Forbes.com *
It's what I think the doctor ordered as an exploration for some of the deep social tensions." ~Rob Johnson, president of the Institute for New Economic Thinking