Why the future comes first to Silicon Valley

Numerically speaking, Silicon Valley is the region with the most influential and successful technology companies in the world. 11 of the world's 20 largest technology companies are based in the area. There is a high concentration of hungry entrepreneurs, risk-averse investors and business angels and it is said that around 60% of the world's venture capital is invested here. The region also has a highly qualified international workforce that is continuously replenished with new talent from prestigious universities such as Stanford and Berkeley, which today have around 30 Nobel laureates as active teachers. That alone should be enough to explain the region's claim to fame.

Yet there is something even more valuable and unique to the region than just the financial and measurable successes, an intangible asset that cannot be displayed in rows and columns, namely the unique mindset of those who work and live here. It is a mindset characterized by openness, curiosity and a great drive to want to change from the ground up.

It is this mindset that can also explain why the future in many ways gets here first. Nothing is crazy or impossible enough for Silicon Valley. Something that provides the conditions for continuously thinking about and actively working with the future and possible future needs. There is also a self-confidence and a future belief in new technology and innovation that has created the conditions for continuous distribution, something that can be seen in everything from the region's history, lifestyle and culture to government regulations and conditions for starting and testing new ideas.

People all over the world come here to learn, and to be part of this particular mindset. The region can be seen as a giant incubator or accelerator that constantly attracts new talent that brings new ideas, ideas that are developed, scaled and which then creates a learning. For decades, there have been daily services and products from Silicon Valley that have changed people's lives all over the world. Most recently, the Silicon Valley-based company OpenAI with its ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we think about artificial intelligence in our everyday lives and is considered to have paved the way for a new AI era. And there is little indication that the region is about to lose its uniquely leading position when it comes to technology, innovation and reputation as a future-proof region in the near future.

The eternal question then is whether it is possible to copy the Silicon Valley model?

I think the answer is more complex than a yes or no as Silicon Valley's success has been built up over a long period of time and is dependent on such a large number of factors, some of which are mentioned in this post.

However, what I think can be influenced by Silicon Valley to become better at leading from the future is:

1. Take ownership of the change you want to create and see
   I Norden Most people are reluctant to share their ideas because they think they are too valuable. But ask anyone on the streets of Palo Alto and they will pitch their latest startup idea without a doubt! Here there is no shortage of ideas and it is not the ideas that matter, but the execution that is important. Who actually creates the best conditions for making the idea a reality.
2. Talk engagingly about the future you are heading towards
   Storytelling is part of Silicon Valley's DNA. It's about constantly creating commitment and selling your dream and seeing everyone you meet as possible key people on your journey forward.
3. Help others on their journey to change
   The Silicon Valley culture is deeply marked by the "Pay it forward" mentality, which is about giving back and helping others achieve their objective and dreams. Something that has been actively applied by many successful entrepreneurs in the region. It is not uncommon for most meetings to end with the question "How can I help you?", a question that opens up trust and networking.
4. Dare to think big and visionary about the future
   Steve Jobs has said “Once you discover one simple fact, and that is that everything around you that you call 'life' was made up by people who were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.” An approach that anyone can join in building and creating products and services that can affect lives around the world tomorrow and no one is better or smarter than you!