The US and China continue to be the most promising markets for technology breakthroughs that have global impact, according to KPMG’s 2017 global technology innovation report.
Given their country ranking, it’s not surprising that cities in the U.S. and China are expected to make up six of the Top 10 innovation hubs, outside of Silicon Valley/San Francisco, over the next four years, the market research firm said.
“What we have seen emerge over time is the result of countries and cities striving to replicate and build on the Silicon Valley tech innovation blueprint, and their increasing degree of success,” said Tim Zanni Global and U.S. Chair, KPMG Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice. “One can debate whether or not replicating Silicon Valley is possible, but the benefits of the effort are undeniable.”
India placed third globally for the second year in a row, while the U.K. jumped in the global rankings into the fourth spot. Korea also climbed, placing 5th globally and moving ahead of Japan.
When asked which three cities will emerge to rival Silicon Valley/San Francisco over the next four years, the survey revealed numerous rising hubs, such as Berlin, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Boston.
What’s fueling the spread of technology innovation development? According to Zanni in KPMG’s report: growing ecosystems as tech innovation has spread across all industries.
Tech industry business leaders are also seeing technology innovation development spread within companies. Respondents said innovation has expanded beyond traditional corporate R&D.
In this year’s survey, more respondents said that organizations emphasize and nurture innovation at the strategic planning stage than any other company functions, including IT and R&D.
Strategic planning, business units, think tank/incubator, IT and the innovation committee all were listed ahead of research and development as places where innovation is spotted and nurtured in companies.
