Commentary
A bright spot for California: The state’s population exodus appears to have halted, coinciding with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its competition with China.
The modest increase in population in 2023 contrasts with the significant growth seen in the 1980s, showcasing a different era of expansion for California.
The 1980s marked a period of growth and prosperity in California, driven by various factors including tax cuts and economic policies from that time.
California’s position as a hub for technological innovation, particularly in Silicon Valley, remains strong amidst the rise of AI and competition from China.
It’s estimated that there are around a hundred thousand nerds currently working in various corners of the Valley and San Francisco, all hoping to strike it big with AI technology. Instead of the traditional startups in garages, the trend now is towards “hacker homes.” According to a report by Mind the Bridge, Silicon Valley and San Francisco are leading the way in innovation, with 2,101 AI scaleups raising a total of $143.7B. Open AI’s president, Sam Altman, has even dubbed San Francisco as the best place to start an AI company. A new zone known as “Cerebral Valley” or “HAIyes Valley” is emerging, with hacker houses operating out of historic Victorians near Alamo Square attracting AI startups from all over the country.
With the rapid development of AI weapons in the Russia-Ukraine War and China’s AI military advancements, the U.S. military and intelligence agencies are expected to invest billions more in Silicon Valley and Cerebral Valley. Despite the high California taxes, young geniuses are willing to pay the price to be at the forefront of the AI industry. However, cutting taxes and regulations could further boost the industry’s growth and support the middle-class individuals struggling to afford living in this expensive area.
It’s interesting to note that California entrepreneurs, who benefit the most from America’s capitalist economy, tend to lean towards leftist ideologies. Perhaps, like Elon Musk, some of them will come to realize the need for a restoration akin to the 1980s era. With the threat of the Beijing AI train looming, such efforts will be crucial for the future of the industry.
Please note that the views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and may not necessarily align with those of The Epoch Times.
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