Silicon Valley is synonymous with information technology, from the founding fathers of the modern computer industry (Apple, HP and Intel) through to the giants of modern business software (Oracle and Adobe) to the internet generation (led by Google, Yahoo) via companies like Cisco that connect the world.
But new research out there - the Startup Ecosystem Report 2012 by Telefonica Digital and the Startup Genome - supports my view that we really need to think not only about "the Valley" in one corner of California, but many locations all over the world, streaming across Sao Paolo, Bangalore and Melbourne. The report's Top 20 cities rankings is based on research with 50,000 entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers, using eight critical criteria. It reflects the shift to a 'global valley'.
Digital innovation, whether that ends up in social networks, hardware, software programmes or networks, is the most powerful and in many ways the most democratic commercial opportunity available to the world today. It doesn't require vast wealth, mineral resources or a long history of participation in the sector and it does not respect colour, religion, social class or age.
The digital world is at its heart disruptive
It is far more liable to change than the great waves of opportunity of the past. It is open and inclusive and an incredible force for wealth creation and societal change.
Look at the rapid rise of the so-called BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, all of which have benefited by the changes wrought by technological change.
Technological creativity and services provide immense potential for growth and there is no reason for that potential not to travel worldwide. Just consider the cases of successful outfits such as SoundCloud, MindCandy, Spotify, Mail.ru, Boxee, Yandex and Rovio, none are US-based.
However, it's clear from the report that some essentials will characterise those geographical areas best able to capitalise on digital opportunities. Political stability, a talent pool and education system, access to capital and mentors with knowledge... all these will provide a strong platform for cities and areas to create their own Silicon Valley equivalents. If you're interested, I've talked about some of the vital elements for a startup to be truly successful in this video.
From Silicon Valley to a Global Valley
Silicon Valley remains a beacon and it is still growing but the evidence suggests that we are moving to a world where technology centres are spread far and wide. Some will have local specialities. London and Berlin are becoming powerful forces for companies at the nexus of the digital and creative sectors where advertising, marketing, digital arts and website creation morph into one.
Then we've got Bangalore which is entrenched in IT outsourcing and Israel has deep domain knowledge in computer security, as well as providing core R&D that companies like Intel rely on.
It's truly a world of opportunity for people with ambition, passion, knowledge and the entrepreneurial gene, and the many thousands of digital-centric startups that appear every year stand not only to make lots of money for themselves and their economies, but also change the world for the better in fields such as reusable energy sources and e-healthcare.
The chance to build the next global powerhouse such as Facebook, Google is one no country can afford to ignore, but the good news is that it's a world open to anybody with a computer, a connection and - most important of all - a great new idea.
You can download the full Startup Ecosystem Report 2012 from Telefónica Digital and the Startup Genome and check out their interactive widget on Top 20 cities. Interact with the authors on Twitter @tefdigital and @startupcompass using #startupecosystem