I am not nearly as irritated as others about the July 9 story in the LA Times, “Dreams of High Tech Glory Passing OC By,” as I think there are some nuggets of truth in there. While the obvious editorial tone of the story was condescending, and belittled its own reporting, on balance the article made some interesting points and raised awareness of:
n the important role of a research university.
n the need to support early-stage companies.
n the desire for a sense of community.
Indicators that venture capital investment hasn’t kept up with other places and patent registrations have fallen off are important. While the supposition that a successful technology community depends on “snazzy” all-night sushi bars, however, is a stretch; embracing cultural diversity and improving university links to industry would greatly increase our local economic opportunities.
Ironically, the next day’s papers in San Diego led with the release of a U.S. SBA study purporting that San Diego is the best model in the U.S. of how to develop a high-tech community. Biotech, pharmaceutical and communications companies have exploded on the scene, despite the big hole they were in at the outset of the ’90s.
Why? A predominant reason given in the study was the foresight and leadership of the UCSD Chancellor for 15 years, Richard Atkinson (now president of the UC system). He was extremely proactive with the local technologies industries and he was there for a long time creating the entrepreneurial and collaborative culture.
A research university, once engaged in the community and private sector, can play a major role in Orange County’s continued development.
Still, the Times doesn’t consider Broadcom, now listed on the S & P; 500 index, or Conexant as blockbuster enough? Contrary to the Times’ prerequisite for an Internet revolution, OC’s chips, fibre channel, broadband, nano-technologies and university leadership seem a promising path to me. And the capital tends to follow the opportunity.
Jay De Long
Executive Director
Venture Point-Tech Coast SBDC
Irvine
Drive around Cypress Weave your way through Irvine Spectrum Just try to find land to build on in Aliso Viejo. Hell, you have to be blind and an idiot not to see that OC is a technology player on SoCal’s Tech Coast.
And to the second point of the Times story: I never cared much for sushi anyway.
Tim Cooley
Managing Director
Global Financial Group
