Bob Metcalfe, University of Texas’ Professor of Innovation, Murchison Fellow of Free Enterprise, delivered this keynote address Saturday to the 2013 graduates of the Master of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) Program.
Metcalfe contends that “founderati – the people who invent, innovate, commercialize technology, found and grow startups, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs” are made, not born. And programs like UT’s MSTC help create them.
Metcalfe also contends that “our Free Enterprise System is under attack these days, by people who would prefer to grow governments, rather than economies.”
He says entrepreneurs, who create new ventures, are the solution.
Metcalfe moved to Austin from Boston two years ago and his mission is “helping make Austin a better Silicon Valley.”
“And by “Austin” I mean to include this our fair city and all its nearby suburbs — north, east, south, and west — Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso.”
The aim isn’t to be “BETTER” than Silicon Valley, but “a” better Silicon Valley, Metcalfe said.
“By the phrase “Silicon Valley” I mean the bloodthristy take — no — prisoners swing–for–the–bleachers Free Enterprise Venture Capitalism during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in which I freely prospered.”
Metcalfe’s entire speech is reprinted with permission below and it’s well worth reading.
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