UK Start Ups

The Observer profiles some under-30 British internet entrepreneurs. However it's not a full answer to the pervasive question of why the UK seems unable to produce promising start-ups in spite of our track record in innovation and the creative industries. A much picked over conundrum over the last couple of years.

Comments

[mohamed]

It was only last week at the Future of Web Apps Conf in London that Mike Arrington of TechCrunch (the chronicler of Web 2.0 startups) blamed the BBC for creating an uneven playing field and ranted that the BBC should be dissolved!

http://www.mohamedn.com/2007/02/23/fowa-the-bbc-hindering-innovation/

I'd love to hear your take on his outbreak.

[Richard S]

Well I agree with Nigel who posted a comment on your site Mohamed when he says:

"Complaining about the BBC is the the equivalent of saying “I want every site to be as rubbish as mine, otherwise I have no chance of competing.” I know it sticks in the gullet of competitors, but BBC online is a Good Thing. No consumer complains that Google search is free and therefore stifling competition. No consumer complains that Linux is free and therefore damaging commercial software."

There are many things the BBC doesn't and shouldn't do. To say the BBC offers too good a service so lets drag it down is not a sensible position to hold.

[mohamed]

It raises two interesting questions :

1. What is the role of a public broadcaster?

2. What does it mean to be a "broadcaster" in a networked world?

To me, the BBC has answered the second question by it's new 360 degree commissioning.

The first question is a bit trickier though since providing a public service may at times lead you to competition with private enterprise. And not having to make a profit does set an uneven playing field.

It is probably like trying to compete with an industry that relies heavily on government subsidies...

[Richard S]

Depends if you can provide something the market won't...