Two Cambridges, two sets of problems: How the UK and US innovation hubs are learning from each other
By
The Economist
Summary
The article explores the paradox of two cities both named Cambridge — one in the UK and one in Massachusetts, USA — that are among the world's most innovative hubs yet face completely opposite problems. The UK Cambridge is steeped in centuries of scientific breakthroughs (DNA, IVF, monoclonal antibodies) but constrained by space and infrastructure. The US Cambridge (home to MIT and Harvard) faces different challenges. Despite their shared name and innovative spirit, their contrasting issues are leading to closer collaboration between the two cities.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA plaque outside the Eagle pub marks where Francis Crick and James Watson announced the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA.
It is the birthplace of in vitro fertilisation, the designs that sit in most phones and tablets, and the first humanised monoclonal antibody, a technology used to develop three of the world's five top-selling drugs.
Two of the world's most innovative cities have the same name and completely opposite problems. That is leading to closer collaboration.
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