The Smartest Places on Earth

by Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker
The Smartest Places on Earth cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 2732
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Rizwan Butt's Blog · Rizwan Buttar · 2024-04-01
optimistic 4.50

The book offers an optimistic outlook on the future of innovation, highlighting the unexpected rise of rustbelt cities.

Rizwan Buttar's review praises the book for its optimistic perspective on how rustbelt cities are becoming innovation hubs. He highlights the authors' ability to blend storytelling with economic analysis, making the book both engaging and informative. The reviewer particularly appreciates the focus on collaboration between different sectors as a key driver of innovation.

Quick quotes

    “The Smartest Places on Earth” offers an optimistic outlook on the future of innovation, highlighting the unexpected rise of rustbelt cities.

    The authors provide a compelling narrative about how these regions are leveraging their unique strengths to drive progress.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the future of economic development.

PopMatters · 2016-09-30
compelling 4.00

The book chronicles innovation reigniting the spirit of capitalism in the West as the postindustrial economy evolves.

This review highlights how the authors document the transformation of rust belt cities into vibrant centers of innovation. The book offers a compelling narrative about the shift from traditional manufacturing to knowledge-based economies. The reviewer praises the authors' ability to identify and explain the factors driving this change, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in economic transformation.

Quick quotes

    The Smartest Places on Earth chronicles innovation the authors see reigniting the spirit of capitalism in the West as the postindustrial economy evolves.

    The authors see a future in 'brain belts,' places where universities, governments, and investors collaborate to drive innovation.

    This is a story of renewal and resilience in the face of economic adversity.

World Economic Forum · 2016-06-10
insightful 4.50

The reviewer finds the book smart and well-timed, highlighting the transformation of rust belt cities into innovation hotspots.

This book offers a fascinating look at how former industrial areas are reinventing themselves as centers of innovation. The authors' enthusiasm is evident as they explore the potential of these 'brain belts' where collaboration between universities, governments, and investors is driving progress. The reviewer appreciates the optimistic outlook and the insightful analysis of how these regions are reshaping the global economy.

Quick quotes

    The Smartest Places on Earth by Antoine van Agtamael and Fred Bakker is a smart book.

    It is also smartly timed.

    The smartest thing it does is challenge the conventional wisdom about where innovation happens.

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