This article was originally published in Smart Me Up Live[
It is not everyday that you are in the right place at the right moment, to walk straight into a phone conversation between San Diego's Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Jorge Astiazaran, the Mayor of Tijuana. The behind the scenes conversation was between two leaders that understand that a united Cali-Baja Mega Region can be a force to be reckoned with on a global scale.
Faulconer wished Jorge Astiazaran, a Happy Birthday on behalf of all his friends in San Diego. After the brief and friendly conversation, Faulconer walked into the EDC's 50th Anniversary dinner to give his opening remarks. It was inspiring to celebrate San Diego's leadership in innovation and collaboration with Mexico. But beyond the great weather and great people, San Diego has become an engine for startups and economic growth. A significant theme of the evening was "Collaboration". The Cali-Baja undertone was heard and felt in the audience in particular when Faulconer stated, "When we collaborate with Tijuana the sky is the limit."
But why are San Diego and Tijuana leaders having this conversation in relation to entrepreneurship and innovation?
There has been a significant shift in the conversation of what Tijuana means to San Diego and to our thriving start-up ecosystem. Given our geographic location, San Diego is perfectly positioned to leverage resources from both sides of the border. Technology is thriving in both Mexico and southern California. Entrepreneurs are starting to ask, "what exists beyond that "physical" border that prevents innovators from coming together to build great ventures?" As Dr. Mike Lawless, Director for Entrepreneurship at the University of San Diego so clearly states, "Innovation does not stop at the border".
Entrepreneurs are known to challenge the way things have been done in the past and this is no exception. They are thinking beyond the border and are quickly realizing that our neighboring country is a huge opportunity for growth, prototyping, and "Nearshoring" instead of "OffShoring" across the globe. No more time zone nightmares or receiving a product that was supposed to look like a chicken but looks more like a duck.
It is time to see Tijuana for who they are: A city that is ready to stand up with San Diego and take the challenge of becoming the first innovation hub that unites two countries into one mega región. San Diego is a city of collaboration, creativity and talent. Our united and thriving startup community from both sides of the border is a catalyst that will help fuel economic growth. Our geographic location is one of the many reasons San Diego is one of the best places in the United States to launch a start-up. We are creating a powerful story, and the world is looking.
Beyond the perks of living in this beautiful city, we are innovators at our core. It is no coincidence that National Geographic ranked San Diego among the worlds "Smart Cities" and Forbes names San Diego as one of the best places to start a business very deserving titles for a city that is doing so much!
The bi-national conversation has begun and the start-up wave is here, let's ride it!
It is time to make this Mega Region an entrepreneurs dream.
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