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Cluj-Napoca is still not Silicon Valley — part V (with a twist)
Cluj-Napoca is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe,” but this label is not entirely accurate. While it is true that the city has a thriving technology sector and a high percentage of its population works in the IT industry, there are several factors that prevent it from being considered a true “Silicon Valley.”
Firstly, while Cluj-Napoca has a strong IT sector, it is not the only city in Eastern Europe with a thriving tech industry. Cities like Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw also have strong technology sectors and are home to many successful tech companies. In fact, according to a recent report, Budapest has even surpassed Cluj-Napoca in terms of the number of tech startups and the amount of venture capital investment.
Secondly, Cluj-Napoca’s real estate prices are not as high as those in Silicon Valley. While the cost of living in Cluj-Napoca is relatively low compared to other European cities, it is still not as affordable as the prices in Silicon Valley. This can make it difficult for tech companies to attract top talent to the city, as many workers are attracted to Silicon Valley by the promise of high salaries and affordable housing.
Thirdly, Cluj-Napoca has not seen the same level of workforce migration as Silicon Valley. While Silicon Valley has long been a…
