In this special solo episode, I dive into what makes Austin not just another 'Silicon Something' and about how we can transform into a generational ecosystem. After defining our region’s superpowers, I introduce a new mental model that synthesizes Austin's eclectic influences, from bleeding-edge technology to advanced manufacturing to the intellectual and creative spheres. All of this puts us on path to offer a promising vision for What’s Next Austin.
Episode Highlights
• As cities worldwide strive to become the next Silicon Valley, adopting monikers like "Silicon Hills" in Austin, the real key to becoming a superstar innovation hub lies in leveraging unique local "superpowers" and assets.
• Among Austin's 'superpowers' are its ability to invent and then deploy groundbreaking technologies locally, such as 3D-printed neighborhoods, and to radiate a 'cool factor' via iconic events like SXSW and brands like Yeti, as well as excelling in physical innovations like electric vehicles, advanced semiconductors, and rockets.
• In stark contrast to more hierarchical ecosystems that resemble an 'onion,' Austin's open networks and culture of collaboration make room for creative collisions, fostering a dynamic and accessible environment.
• A new framework is introduced that positions Austin as a unique blend of Silicon Valley's technological prowess, 1950s Detroit's manufacturing ingenuity, and 1920s Paris's intellectual and creative richness.
• What's Next Austin? "In the longer term, our focus should be on increasing the density of founders, funders, and innovators within our region. Just like in ancient Athens or Renaissance Florence, I want to bump into the next Socrates or Da Vinci as I take a walk through Austin."
📘Zero to One by Peter Thiel (https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296)
📘Startup Communities by Brad Feld (https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Communities-Building-Entrepreneurial-Ecosystem/dp/1119617650/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)
🎙️The Cities that Shaped Us w/Chelsea Follett (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/the-cities-that-shaped-us-with-chelsea-follett-of-the-cato-institute-humanprogressorg/)
📘Centers of Progress by Chelsea Follett (https://www.amazon.com/Centers-Progress-Cities-Changed-World/dp/1952223652)
🎙️There’s Always an Us in Austin w/Roy Spence (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/theres-always-an-us-in-austin-with-roy-spence-co-founder-and-chairman-of-gsdm-and-founder-of-the-make-it-movement/)
🎙️ Catalyzing Innovation in Austin w/Kaitlyn DeBernardo & Aaron Perman (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/catalyzing-innovation-in-austin-a-live-conversation-at-the-texas-venture-crawl-with-kaitlyn-deberna/)
🎙️The Future of Innovation: Austin and the New Creative Class w/Richard Florida (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/the-future-of-innovation-austin-and-the-new-creative-class-with-richard-florida/)
📘Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida (https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Creative-Class-Revisited-Revised-Expanded/dp/0465042481)
🎙️Can A Simple Walk Revolutionize Networking w/Elle Beecher (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/can-a-simple-walk-revolutionize-networking-with-elle-beecher-founder-of-the-board-walks/)
Support the show and check out our sponsors: Austin Private Wealth (https://austinprivatewealth.com/)
Austin Next Links: Website (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/AustinNxPodcast), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AustinNext), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonscharf/)
