&gt; Do people sit around and play video games, or do they create new things?  Are people happy and fulfilled?<p>The answer to this question is influenced by so many environmental factors that it would be difficult to do one study and arrive at a repeatable answer.  Communities, countries, cultures, weather, and so many other things are at play.<p>We already know that education and training produce self sufficient people.  If startups want to to give back, they should start with something they know and incorporate more training programs into the workplace.  Develop growth cycles, from beginner to professional, and build a culture of renewal and community that makes people want to stick around.