I find it quite funny when the tech bros and sis talk about their work as if they are doing something modern, different or exceptional
When in reality what they do is older than Jesus Christ
Here is an example to make my point
Below is the oldest map of the Nordic countries —known as the Carta Marina
It is a fascinating example on how "disruption", "tech", "innovation ecosystems" or "venture funding" are not unique characteristic of our modern age, but something rather timeless intrinsic to human intellect and curiosity, and a natural —rather than programmed— outcome from the universal human need to improve the conditions for themselves and for the ones around them
So, how does the Carta Marina compare to the innovation world today?
- It was the first ever map and description of the Nordic countries and their resources. A total game changer that allowed the region and the rest of the world to understand it better and engage with it more. And apart from that, it was also the biggest, most detailed, and most accurate map in Europe back then. It set the bar for all maps that came after. A real Schumpeterian disruption of its day
- Maps, in a broader sense, are a variety of technology—a means to an end. A tool used to plan, navigate and learn more about a specific point or place. The Carta Marina technology gave people back then what ICEYE technology, the Finnish soonicorn, gives us today: a better way to see and understand our surroundings. They’re not different technologies—what sets them apart is that the latter’s just better at achieving the desired goal
- It was created by the Swedish priest Olaus Magnus that moved to Venice in 1539 to publish and print the map. Why Venice? Because it was a major hub for printing and intellectual vibes during the Renaissance, pulling in scholars and mapmakers from all over Europe. It was the place to be to make these things happen. The same thing that Sillicon Valley represents today
- It took him 12 years to make the map, not far off the 11 years it takes a startup to hit unicorn status now. So to achieve his goal, he had to secured funding support from Mr Hieronymo Quirino a noble from one of Venice’s top families. Basically a sort of Peter Thiel of the Venice of the time
If we hype "innovation" and "tech" it might be because we don't really understand what these words mean
- Innovation is not a thing in itself, is one of several outcomes of the process of competition
- Competition is the discovery process we numerous firms try to provide the best possible solution to an identified need in the market
- Technologies are not the end goal, they are means to achieve an end
Once we get that, it’s clear we’re putting the focus on the wrong things
In Europe and the Nordics we don't have an innovation problem —we have a competition problem. We don't have a tech problem —we have a value proposition problem. And we don't have a tech and innovation ecosystem —we have a bubble.
