Is Cambridge a Leader? Yes But Far Behind Stanford

Is Cambridge a Leader? Yes! But Far Behind Stanford

Hermann Hauser, one of the local heroes and founder of Amadeus Capital Partners, ^[9] mentions that while the University of Cambridge has undertaken considerable measures to promote technology transfer, there is a feeling that its potential is still underexploited. He illustrates this by citing that while Cambridge University has managed to create companies valued at a total of approximately $30 billion, Stanford University in California has given birth to companies valued at a total of $1.5 trillion.

Mr. Hauser attributes this to the more academic, less entrepreneurial environment in Cambridge. While he believes that there is a growing trend to move academically grown ideas into the commercial environment, he considers just getting to the bottom of things to be insufficient for success. The trend needs to be supported by various expertise such as venture capitalists, lawyers , marketing specialists, real estate, etc., of which some are still considerably lacking from the Cambridge region.

Mr. Hauser acknowledges the importance that local heroes played in the development of the entrepreneurial environment in Cambridge. Yet, he notes that their contributions to the development of the region were made possible by their strong personal affinity to Cambridge and by the fact that they had previously made enough money to act as business angels to the local community.

Regional ability to attract and retain very wealthy individuals is important for future growth. Providing attractive real estate, leisure, and educational facilities may increase the identification of ordinary people turned local heroes with a region to grow along with their success. Eventually, other heroes move to the region as well. In the end, the identification of Cambridge's local heroes with their region had its roots in the quality of life that they appreciate and wanted to see flourish in the future.