ABSTRACT
Silicon Valley is one node of knowledge production within the wider landscape of universal basic income (UBI) debates. It is a particularly powerful node though, and its most outspoken advocates have the resources to influence the direction of those conversations at a national and even global scale. This chapter explores why some sections of the global wealth elite, specifically those with ties to Silicon Valley’s tech economy, have recently thrown their money and influence behind UBI. It explores an alternative pathway to UBI via the work of environmental activists in Goa, India. The State of Goa in India is best known internationally for its beaches, which draw thousands of tourists from around the world. The Silicon Valley model of UBI does includes ideas worthy of serious consideration. In particular, it proposes that people’s creative potential should be given a chance to flourish rather than accepting that working life must revolve around whatever pays the bills.
