Overview
In Crossing the Cactus, veteran venture capitalist Dave Blivin tackles one of the most persistent challenges in economic development: how to build successful technology ecosystems in regions outside established hubs like Silicon Valley and Boston. While breakthrough innovations emerge from universities and research facilities worldwide, most communities lack the resources to commercialize these ideas locally. The result? Talent and technologies migrate to resource-rich centers, leaving their communities of origin behind.
Drawing on three decades of experience funding early-stage companies, Blivin reveals his fundamental insight: when communities strategically align the three key ingredients—great ideas, experienced management, and sufficient capital—they can create sustainable technology-based economic growth anywhere.
Through compelling case studies including Skorpios Technologies and Bayotech, Blivin demonstrates how regions can identify their unique strengths, attract management talent, and implement funding strategies that keep promising ventures rooted locally. He examines successful ecosystem models like Ohio's Third Frontier and Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Technology Partners, offering practical frameworks adaptable to any region's circumstances.
Whether you're an economic development professional, investor, entrepreneur, or policymaker, Crossing the Cactus provides an actionable roadmap for transforming resource-limited regions into thriving centers of innovation, job creation, and prosperity.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Crossing the Cactus (A Blueprint for Tech Commercialization Success Outside Silicon Valley), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Crossing the Cactus (A Blueprint for Tech Commercialization Success Outside Silicon Valley).