Silicon Valley, Silicon Alley or Australia?

Speculation around the end of Silicon Valley isn't new, yet the debate returns every time a stray CEO or entrepreneur seems to question the supposed ‘innovation centre of the world'.

This latest round of this debate was sparked from a Facebook post by Yammer CEO David Sacks. It argued that the odds on being a success in the valley are slimming.

And right on cue, an article appears claiming that Australia doesn't need Silicon Valley.

Australia does have a vibrant start-up community, so perhaps we don't. But as Curicon's Matt Byrne explains in an op-ed for Fairfax, his trip was still a “special, really special” experience.

“It isn't a tiny place, yet everyone there breathes, thinks and does things in the same synchronous, energetic manner. It is a network of people, businesses and opportunities. It is like nothing I have ever experienced before,” Byrne says.

Before we denounce Silicon Valley we should ask ourselves: do we have a place like this in Australia? If not, then why don't we? 

Let's also not forget that this ‘demise of Silicon Valley debate' isn't unique to Australia.  The US is currently debating whether New York (or Silicon Alley) is a better innovation hub for start-ups.

So on that note, today's infographic which was created and sourced from UNC's Kenan- Flagler business school looks at the comparisons between Silicon Valley and Silicon Alley.

Do you think Australia will ever compare to Silicon Valley? Let us know in the comments below?

Via MBA@UNC: Top Online MBA