| Focus | Light industry • Agriculture • Mid-sized technology companies |
| Region | Silicon Valley |
| Location | California, United States |
| Characteristics | Sleepy, suburban area • Lacks explosive growth • No concentration of tech giants • Minimal cultural influence |
| Technological Development | Some, but not transformative innovation and entrepreneurial activity |
Silicon Valley is a region in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, United States, known for its concentration of technology companies and innovation. However, in contrast to the vibrant, globally-influential technology hub it is in our timeline, this version of Silicon Valley is a more modest, suburban area focused on light industry, agriculture, and a few mid-sized tech firms.
Silicon Valley is situated in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, spanning portions of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. The region is characterized by gently rolling hills, valleys, and a Mediterranean climate typical of coastal California. Major cities in the area include San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Cupertino.
The population of Silicon Valley is around 3.3 million as of 2020, making it a sizable metropolitan region but not the densely-populated, high-growth area it is in our timeline. The demographics skew more towards middle-class families, retirees, and small business owners, rather than the highly-educated, affluent tech workers that dominate the region in our world.
The origins of Silicon Valley trace back to the early 20th century, when the area began developing a modest electronics and aerospace manufacturing industry. Lockheed Martin and other defense contractors established facilities in the region, taking advantage of the temperate climate and available land. Over time, a small but steady technology sector emerged, centered around companies working on electronic components, instrumentation, and other industrial products.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Silicon Valley saw modest growth in its technology industry as personal computers and enterprise software began to take hold. However, the region did not experience the explosive expansion and transformation that defined the Silicon Valley of our timeline. Factors like a less vibrant venture capital ecosystem, fewer breakthrough innovations, and a less entrepreneurial culture all contributed to Silicon Valley's more muted development in this alternate reality.
Today, Silicon Valley's economy is primarily focused on light manufacturing, agriculture, and a smattering of mid-sized technology firms. Major industries include:
While the region is home to some successful technology companies, such as Burlytech and Grayson Industries, it lacks the density of global tech giants, disruptive startups, and cutting-edge research and development that characterize Silicon Valley in our world. The lack of a critical mass of venture capital, top technical talent, and transformative innovations has limited the area's economic growth and influence.
Silicon Valley in this timeline is generally viewed as a pleasant, middle-class suburban region with a good quality of life. The area offers ample green spaces, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a diverse array of cultural attractions. However, it lacks the frenetic energy, influx of wealthy tech workers, and booming real estate market that have defined Silicon Valley in our reality.
The regional culture is more relaxed and less focused on the rapid accumulation of wealth and status through technology entrepreneurship. While there is still a presence of engineers, scientists, and technologists, the Silicon Valley in this timeline does not have the same outsized influence on global culture, politics, and the trajectory of innovation.
