Globally, most governments recognize the value that technology entrepreneurs bring to their populations. New technology entrepreneurs provide employment for their citizens, a more advanced society, improved balance of trade, the potential for military benefits and of coursenational pride, including a source of inspiration for budding young engineers. For these reasons and others, governments hope to grow more technology entrepreneurs by strengthening their education systems in math, science and engineering. But education, though helpful, often does not directly lead to new successful technology entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
For clarity, I am not talking about small business entrepreneurs that open a new coffee bar, invent a better smelling shampoo or provide a service like a plumber. While the media covering these types of entrepreneurs get most of the public\u2019s attention, they underplay the risks and challenges to be overcome for today\u2019s technology entrepreneurs. Can you imagine a public TV show like Shark Tank where a contestant pitches the non-technical investor panel on a new power transistor optimized for high voltage dc to dc power conversion? The laughable episode would have zero public interest and surely generate zero ad revenue.<\/p>\n