The taxpayers need to make the cheque out to the same kinds of places that were supported when Silicon Valley was built - government and academic researchers. The private companies will have their own kind of funding - Angels and VCs who will make bets on companies for the potential rewards they may deliver. The formula is the same no matter which side of the border that you do it on. Just keep in mind that we make bets on people not places. The rest is hard work - no matter where you do it.