Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker – The Smartest Places on Earth: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: The Smartest Places on Earth
• Author: Antoine van Agtmael, Fred Bakker
• Genre: Business & Economics, Science & Technology
• Pages: 320
• Published Year: 2016
• Publisher: PublicAffairs
• Language: English

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “The Smartest Places on Earth,” Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker challenge conventional wisdom by revealing how former industrial sites, once considered declining “rustbelts,” are emerging as the new epicenters of global innovation. Through extensive research and compelling case studies, the authors demonstrate how these regions are leveraging their existing workforce, collaborating with local universities, and embracing smart manufacturing to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. This eye-opening book offers a fresh perspective on economic revitalization and the future of innovation in unexpected places.

Key Takeaways

• Former industrial sites are transforming into “brain belts,” becoming hubs of innovation and smart manufacturing
• Successful brain belts share common characteristics, including collaborative ecosystems and a culture of knowledge sharing
• Smart manufacturing, focusing on customization and automation, is a core aspect of brain belts
• Brain belts are developing technologies to address major global challenges like climate change and food security
• National policies and continued funding are crucial for the growth and success of brain belts

My Summary

Reinventing the Rustbelt: A New Era of Innovation

As I delved into “The Smartest Places on Earth” by Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker, I found myself captivated by their counterintuitive argument. The notion that former industrial sites, often dismissed as declining “rustbelts,” are emerging as the new hotspots of global innovation is both surprising and inspiring. This book challenges our preconceptions about where innovation happens and offers a fresh perspective on economic revitalization.

Having grown up near a former industrial town myself, I was particularly intrigued by the authors’ insights. I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles of communities grappling with economic decline, and the idea that these same areas could become drivers of cutting-edge innovation resonates deeply with me.

The Rise of Brain Belts: A Paradigm Shift

Van Agtmael and Bakker introduce us to the concept of “brain belts” – regions that have been revitalized through the formation of hubs that unite knowledgeable workers with smart manufacturing. This shift from traditional manufacturing to knowledge-based innovation is a crucial theme throughout the book.

One example that stood out to me was the case of General Electric setting up a production facility in Batesville, Mississippi, near Mississippi State University. This decision to prioritize proximity to research and talent over cheaper offshore locations exemplifies the brain belt model. It’s a stark contrast to the offshoring trends we’ve seen in recent decades and suggests a promising future for domestic manufacturing and innovation.

The Collaborative Ecosystem: Strength in Unity

A key characteristic of successful brain belts, as the authors point out, is their collaborative ecosystem. This typically involves a research university at the core, surrounded by startups, established firms, community colleges, and local government authorities. The emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing struck me as particularly important in today’s interconnected world.

The example of the Hudson Tech Valley in Albany, New York, illustrates this beautifully. The synergy between the State University of New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and surrounding businesses in semiconductor research showcases how diverse entities can come together to drive innovation in a specific field.

This collaborative approach reminds me of the open-source movement in software development. Just as open-source projects have led to groundbreaking innovations by leveraging collective expertise, brain belts are harnessing the power of shared knowledge to tackle complex challenges.

Smart Manufacturing: The Future of Production

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is its exploration of smart manufacturing. Unlike traditional manufacturing that focuses primarily on cost and worker efficiency, smart manufacturing emphasizes customization and automation through technologies like 3D printing and robotics.

The authors’ visit to America Makes in Youngstown, Ohio, provides a vivid illustration of this concept. The use of 3D printing for both rapid prototyping and actual manufacturing of components for industries ranging from aerospace to medicine is truly revolutionary. It made me reflect on how these technologies could transform not just manufacturing but also fields like healthcare and education.

The example of Baxter, the humanoid robot assistant, particularly caught my attention. The idea that a $22,000 robot can work for 6,500 hours at an effective hourly rate of just $3 is mind-boggling. It raises important questions about the future of work and the need for reskilling in many industries.

From Rust to Renewal: The Akron Story

The transformation of Akron, Ohio, from a declining industrial center to a thriving brain belt is a powerful testament to the potential for renewal in former rustbelt regions. As someone who has seen similar struggles in my own community, this story resonated deeply with me.

Akron’s journey from being a tire manufacturing hub to becoming a center for polymer science and new materials research is inspiring. It demonstrates how a region can leverage its existing expertise and workforce to pivot towards new, innovative industries. The role of the University of Akron in this transformation underscores the importance of strong educational institutions in driving economic revitalization.

This story made me think about the untapped potential in many struggling industrial towns across America and Europe. It raises the question: How many other Akrons are out there, waiting for the right combination of vision, collaboration, and investment to transform into thriving innovation hubs?

Tackling Global Challenges: The Impact of Brain Belts

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of how brain belts are contributing to solving some of humanity’s most pressing problems. The authors’ discussion of how these innovation hubs are developing technologies to address climate change and food security is particularly noteworthy.

The example of the Centennial Campus in North Carolina working on improving the electrical grid for more efficient energy distribution and consumption is fascinating. It highlights how brain belts can play a crucial role in transitioning to renewable energy sources and creating a more sustainable future.

Similarly, the work being done in Wageningen, Netherlands, to boost agricultural productivity through innovations in greenhouse design and automated milking is impressive. As someone concerned about global food security, I found this example particularly encouraging. It demonstrates how focused innovation can have a significant impact on global challenges.

The Role of Policy and Funding

Van Agtmael and Bakker make a compelling case for the importance of national innovation policies and continued funding in supporting the growth of brain belts. Their comparison of brain belts to children learning to ride a bike with training wheels is apt and memorable.

The authors’ critique of the lack of standing innovation guidelines in the United States is thought-provoking. It made me reflect on the role of government in fostering innovation and economic growth. The contrast between the success of tech giants like Apple and Google and the needs of emerging brain belts across the country raises important questions about how we allocate resources and support for innovation.

Reflections and Future Implications

As I finished “The Smartest Places on Earth,” I found myself both optimistic and contemplative about the future of innovation and economic development. The book challenges us to rethink our assumptions about where innovation happens and who drives it.

One question that lingers in my mind is: How can we ensure that the benefits of these brain belts are distributed equitably within their communities? While the book paints a promising picture of economic renewal, it’s important to consider how these transformations impact all members of a community, not just those directly involved in the innovation sectors.

Additionally, the book raises interesting questions about the future of work and education. As smart manufacturing and automation become more prevalent, how can we prepare the workforce of the future? What skills will be most valuable in these emerging brain belts?

In conclusion, “The Smartest Places on Earth” offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective on the future of innovation and economic development. It challenges us to look beyond traditional centers of innovation and recognize the potential in unexpected places. As we face global challenges like climate change and food security, the collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach of brain belts may well be our best hope for developing effective solutions.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this concept of brain belts. Have you seen examples of this kind of transformation in your own community? What potential do you see for this model in addressing global challenges? Let’s continue this important conversation in the comments below.