Session 4: January 15, 2009

Silicon Valley & Entrepreneurship

Quote of the Day

You shall know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free
Inscription at the CIA, Langley Virginia

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you
Motto at the National Security Agency, Ft. Meade Maryland

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend
Silicon Valley Journalism

Summary

What exactly is Silicon Valley?  Where did it come from?  What is unique about Silicon Valley, and what could be replicated in other regions of the world?  This session will examine the economic, military and cultural underpinnings of this center of technology entrepreneurship.

Required Readings (Policy on Required Readings)

• Readings from the Textbooks:
• Technology Ventures (Dorf and Byers): Ch 2 Opportunity and the Business Summary; Ch 3 Building a Competitive Advantage (Highlights: 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 3.4) ; Review 7.3 Cluster Dynamics
• Watch the following short video clip:
• Jerry Kaplan (OnSale / GO) - The Best Time to Start a Company is When Nobody Thinks it's Possible

Study Questions (Policy on Study Questions)

• In your opinion, what is the primary reason Silicon Valley has been such an influential economic hub?
• How is that similar to or different from other hubs in the U.S? 
• How is that similar to or different from other hubs in other countries?

OAP Assignment (Policy on Online Assignments.)

• Be prepared to tell us your idea
• Be prepared to tell us how you plan to test if it is a business opportunity
• Be prepared to tell us how you plan to test the idea on potential customers and partners