Invention and Reinvention

Reviews / Votes

"Invention & Reinvention: The Evolution of San Diego's Innovation Economy is a fascinating story of regeneration. Using a social history perspective over different periods, it offers a wonderful case study of urban reinvention and hence is a must-read for any economic geographer who studies regions, technology development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and evolutionary geography."-Shiri M. Breznitz, Economic Geography "Throughout my career in public office, I was conscious of the need for a good history about the dynamic south west corner of our state. Mary Walshok and Abe Shragge have captured a century and a half of San Diego history in a book that will ring true for anyone who has been engaged in its political and economic evolution over the last fifty years."-Pete Wilson, Former California State Assemblyman, Mayor of San Diego, U.S. Senator, and Governor of California "Sociologist Mary Walshok and historian Abraham Shragge show their readers that San Diego truly is a city of invention and innovation . . . It is a very worthwhile read for an economic historian, for it provides a thorough introduction to the city's economic history . . . [Invention and Reinvention] forces the reader to think about why San Diego's experience has been so different from U.S. cities that have not done well over the past half century."-Fred Smith, EH.Net: The Economic History Network "This is an important, pioneering book that contributes to our unique understanding of how one place, San Diego, has achieved what most places want: the capacity to evolve and meet the challenges of a constantly changing global economic environment. Walshok and Shragge help us understand why some places thrive while others wither."-David B. Audretsch, Indiana University and Author of The Entrepreneurial Society "The San Diego region has long deserved a really comprehensive history of how its economy emerged from a primarily military and defense contracting town into one of the leading innovation regions in America. This book describes that journey and contains a number of insights that will be extremely useful to other regions that are trying to reinvent themselves."-Richard Florida, Author of The Rise of the Creative Class, Director, Martin Prosperity Institute, University of Toronto and the Creative Class Group "San Diego has a unique history in terms of its long relationship with the federal government, and especially the military, which this book captures superbly. Especially relevant is the discussion of the role that the research institutions on the Torrey Pines Mesa played in the transformation of the region's economy. A wonderfully engaging book for anyone interested in trying to realize the social and economic benefits of basic research."-Richard C. Atkinson, President Emeritus, University of California and Director, National Science Foundation 1977-1980 "Having been an early faculty member at the UCSD School of Medicine, a founder of Hybritech, and an investor in many of San Diego's biotech companies, I am impressed with how well this book captures the dynamics shaping San Diego's emergence as a world class science hub."-Ivor Royston, Founding Managing Partner, Forward Ventures and Founder, Hybritech "As a third generation Californian, with deep roots in the San Diego region, I am delighted to see a book that focuses on the distinctive character of the San Diego economy and its evolution. Walshok and Shragge have made a significant contribution to San Diego and California history."-Malin Burnham, Vice Chairman, Cushman & Wakefield, Board Member, Sanford/Burnham Medical Research Institute, and Co-Chair, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine "In this economic history, Walshok and Shragge give this a different spin by emphasizing San Diego's civic culture, its spirit of collaboration, and civic values. Focusing on civic leaders, scientists, and business entrepreneurs, they tell a story of almost unimpeded achievement . . . Recommended."-R. A. Beauregard, CHOICE