What makes places like Silicon Valley tick? Can we replicate that magic in other places? Despite enormous public investments globally, only a few regions like Silicon Valley have become enduring innovation ecosystems―human‖ networks‖ that‖ generate‖ extraordinary creativity and output on a sustainable basis. What is the nature of such innovation ecosystems, and how can we deliberately build them?

This white paper and a related book propose a radical “their of everything" to explain the workings of innovation ecosystems. My colleagues and I call this model for such a system the Rainforest. By weaving together our personal observations with what we know about human nature, evolutionary biology, economic cooperation, physical systems, and social systems, we can offer a new and more productive way of thinking about innovation. We argue that neoclassical economics fails to explain the real-world workings of Rainforests. Instead, the innovation process is intimately bound with the dynamics of human nature, the invisible transaction costs caused by human nature, and the development of social norms that help people in Rainforests overcome those transaction costs.

Therefore, while the neoclassical Chicago School does not easily explain the mystery of places such as Silicon Valley, “Chicago‖ Thinking” in general—as an interdisciplinary practice that blends social science, hard science, and empirical analysis—can meet that challenge.

Download the PDF of the White Paper.

When: March 21-23
Where: Embassy Suites Washington, D.C. Convention Center

The Annual Conference is the premier training and networking event for anyone interested in developmental venture capital. An Introductory Workshop precedes the Conference on Wednesday, March 21. This one-day workshop provides an overview of the industry and practice of community development venture capital (CDVC) investing. Attending this event provides an in-depth look at leading funds and best practices in the industry, and serves as the ideal entry point to the Conference and the industry. For more information and to REGISTER, visit www.cdvca.org/conference.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; (212) 594-6747 ext. 20

If you mention venture capital most people immediately think of Silicon Valley in California.  Even now, long after the dot-com bust, Silicon Valley still attracts the most dollars.  The National Venture Capital Association reported that, in the fourth quarter of 2011, Silicon Valley attracted nearly half of all venture capital in the U.S.  By comparison, the Midwest attracted three percent.

When it comes to capital, having access to public and private funds is ideal for regions and entrepreneurs, according to David Morgenthaler, founder of Morgenthaler Ventures, and one of the nation’s most respected venture capitalists.

Milo Biotechnology will receive $250,000 from JumpStart Inc., a nonprofit investing intensive business assistance and some capital into early stage Northeast Ohio-based tech companies.  A clinical stage startup developing a therapy to increase muscle strength and improve the quality of life of muscular dystrophy patients, Milo is the 61st company in JumpStart's portfolio.  "There are limited treatment options for muscular dystrophy and approved therapies are inadequate or can cause significant side effects," says JumpStart's Mike Lang. "Since most muscular dystrophy patients are children, the medical community is interested in a safer and more targeted therapy."

Anyone who has ever held a hardworking smartphone or laptop understands that electronics generate heat. Consumer demand for smaller, lighter, and more powerful devices necessitates higher performing materials to help dissipate the heat these instruments create. Akron, Ohio-based ADAP Nanotech, LLC ( www.adapnanotech.com ) has developed a highly conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-based adhesive that is far more effective than current thermal interface material (TIM) or "gap fillers" The structure of the proprietary material was inspired by adhesives found in nature--- and specifically by the microscopic hairs that make up the gecko's sticky footpad. ADAP's NanoTIM(TM) forms to surfaces without glue or other materials that might contaminate sensitive electronic components. ADAP "grows" millions of nanoscopic-aligned CNT on a silica substrate which are then combined with a thin layer of polymer to form a freestanding pad.

"Frankly, these materials are remarkable, possessing the thermal conductivity and stability of a metal, but the flow and 'spreadability' of a liquid," remarks JumpStart's Lee Poseidon, JumpStart's venture partner working with ADAP. Independent tests validate ADAP's design and pilot scale production, showing that the heat transfer properties of ADAP material are at least three times better than conventional polymer-based thermal gap filler materials.