Editorial: Beyond the Valley

Silicon Valley was and will be envied for many years to come. Founding site for some of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies, such as Google and Apple, the region has been considered, since the last decades of the 20th century, the center of innovation in the world. Point for Americans. But the search for something new does not stop. Innovation is essential. The valley is now beginning to share its role with other regions beyond the already acclaimed reference centers of science and technology. In this edition, On a Journey Around the Planet, we unveil the major innovation ecosystems in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. We showcase cities that are at the cutting edge of knowledge and attract capital, as well as brilliant minds, to revolutionize business.

The April edition of Época NEGÓCIOS includes a report on new innovation centers around the world, as well as a mapping of key events for professionals in this ecosystem. Subscribe and get the digital copy.

This is the case of Shenzhen, China, at the forefront of a much-needed energy transition. Or from Cambridge (UK), the epicenter of technologies aimed at fooling the biological clock, and extending our lives. Lagos (Nigeria) stands out as one of the references in payments. The city has already produced two unicorns in the sector. As in other African countries, the lack of access to traditional banking services encourages the creation of new solutions. Toronto (Canada) stands out in the field of artificial intelligence, while Mexico City stands out as a promise in Latin America, benefiting from tensions between China and the United States.

Rio de Janeiro is also working on a place in the sun on the new map of global innovation. In May, it will host the Web Summit, one of the world’s major technology meetings. At the first edition held outside Europe, 15,000 people are expected. Expectations about the festival are high. Through it, Rio is expected to become the gateway to South America for companies from all over the world. According to a city council study, the Web Summit should transfer R$1.2 billion into the local economy by 2028. The initiative joins other initiatives such as “Porto Maravale” (a reference to Porto Maravella, the result of urban reform at the time of the 2020 Olympics). ). 2016, and Silicon Valley). The area is being revitalized as a hub for innovation, with a tax incentive to reduce the International Space Station from 5% to 2% for companies that have set up residence there.

The will (and need) for business innovation moves a raft of CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs each year through the international conference circuit. There are thousands of visitors and millionaire personalities taking part in events such as SXSW (Austin), Viva Tech (Paris), CES (Las Vegas) and C2 (Montreal). The cost of the trial, depending on the benefits associated with it, can be up to $9,000 USD. Although they sound similar in their proposals for encouraging innovation, putting startups face to face with investors and anticipating the future, each festival has its own personality. In this issue, we delve into the world of conferences to show you the best place to invest your time and money.

From our trip around the world this month, we have come to another conclusion. It is not just the geography of innovation that is changing. The validation of the innovation model used so far has begun without much questioning. Silicon Valley’s wealth production is indisputable, yes, but it also exacerbates inequality. Alternatives are now emerging, where regimes are not interested in subversion, but in totalitarianism, as can be seen in Medellin, Colombia.