31 May 2011
The idea that east London in any way resembles Silicon Valley shows a distinct lack of government understanding about the technology industry (Government offers £1m boost to Silicon Roundabout tech companies). However, it is incredibly flattering that the government is starting to wake up to the importance of the UK tech sector. While many other sectors have been struggling, the internet has been booming.
Is this new-found interest in the web simply a PR opportunity for the government? Hopefully, the government is really starting to understand the value of the digital economy and will follow up their words with appropriate investment. But while the plans for an East London Tech City are grand, they are missing the mark.
Building a technology park on the Olympics site may appeal to companies looking for a large building in a big industrial complex, but it’s not the kind of environment most startups are looking for.
Instead, creative communities tend to form in areas with low-cost, quirky offices and great independent coffee shops just around the corner, as well as relaxed bars and nice restaurants. They want to be near art galleries, independent cinemas, music venues, farmers’ markets, gastro pubs and small fashion retailers. They also want reasonable transport links and low rents. Places like Shoreditch, Bermondsey and now Dalston in London immediately spring to mind.
In short, don’t try to build a scaled-down version of Silicon Valley. Instead, create an environment where people can experiment and ideas can propagate – not through enterprise parks and business centres, but through bars and coffee shops. That’s where innovation really happens.
Andy Budd
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