Is the world flat or spikey?

The world is flat, according to a recent book by NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman. He claims advances in technology have leveled the global playing field, so everyone can now be a player. Not true, says Richard Florida, author of “Rise of the Creative Class.” Florida says the world is actually “spiky,” i.e., concentrated in certain regions. In terms of sheer economic horsepower and cutting-edge innovation, Florida thinks very few regions truly matter in today