Economic Development Archives - Startup Economist

Puerto Rico: The Crossroads of U.S. Access, Global Innovation, and Island Resilience for Startups

Saturday, 16 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

Puerto Rico’s history is one of resilience, adaptation, and strategic importance. As a U.S. territory since 1898, Puerto Rico enjoys a unique position: it benefits from U.S. federal systems and protections while maintaining its cultural and legislative autonomy. This blend offers startups and entrepreneurs an unparalleled advantage — access to U.S. markets, legal frameworks, and

Published in Regional Development

3 Comments

Croatia: A Historical Backbone of Resilience and Opportunity

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

Croatia’s history is defined by resilience and adaptability, traits that naturally align with the entrepreneurial spirit. Originally part of the Roman Empire, Croatia grew through centuries of influence by various empires and regimes—from the medieval Croatian Kingdom to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and later as part of Yugoslavia until its independence in 1991. This complex history

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Published in AI, Regional Development, Startups

12 Comments

Make America Texas Again

Tuesday, 12 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

The story of the Alamo is one etched into the American consciousness, a tale of courage and defiance against overwhelming odds that has inspired generations. In 1836, Texian and Tejano defenders faced off against the Mexican army in a siege that would ultimately result in their tragic defeat. But the Alamo’s legacy transcended that single

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Published in Economic Development, Industry

40 Comments

When Founders Need Referrals to Meet Investors, Fix This About Your Startup Ecosystem

Friday, 08 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

In a well-functioning startup ecosystem, founders should know who their potential investors are and how to connect with them. In a supportive startup ecosystem, founders should know how to develop ventures that attract attention, supported by journalists and ecosystem leaders who promote fundable startups, so that investors engage them. Yet, we often see founders struggling

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Published in Raising Capital, Startup Ecosystems

16 Comments

10 Policies Proven to Turn Cities into Startup Powerhouses

Thursday, 07 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

Cities play a critical role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. With startups and small businesses the key drivers of economic growth, it has become essential for municipal leaders and policymakers to create environments where entrepreneurial talent can flourish. Let’s look at ten proven strategies that cities can implement to empower entrepreneurs, cultivate a thriving startup

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Published in Economic Development, Startups

7 Comments

How the 2025 White House Could Shape a Bold Economy for Startups and Innovators

Wednesday, 06 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

With the dust still settling, I thought I’d wade into a precarious subject because I believe this Presidential election and the outcome were so substantial in what transpired, that humanity will be studying and evolving from it for generations to come. The 2024 season has been a dynamic intersection of ideologies and passions; as such,

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Published in Economic Development, Startup Ecosystems, Startups

30 Comments

When Entrepreneurship is Bad for the Economy

Tuesday, 05 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

Entrepreneurship has long been celebrated as the ultimate engine of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. But what if the fervor surrounding “being an entrepreneur” has gone too far? The glorification of entrepreneurship as an end in itself may actually be hurting our economy. As with most cultural phenomena, the truth is more nuanced than

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Published in Economic Development, Startups

22 Comments