East Asia is challenging Silicon Valley – by being like Silicon Valley used to be

East Asia's tech scene is enjoying considerable success. imtmphoto / Shutterstock

Silicon Valley has been a universal symbol of innovation for decades. Because of its reputation, governments around the world have tried to foster their own versions by investing heavily in tech hubs.

These efforts, which include Silicon Beach in Los Angeles, Silicon Island in Malaysia and Silicon Roundabout in the UK, have not always worked. But some places, particularly parts of east Asia, have seen their own Silicon Valleys flourish.