You need to be open to new ideas to attract them - Duh.

That's the connection between technology and liberalism. Without exception the high-tech cities in the US are also the most liberal. But it's not because liberals are smarter that this is so. It's because liberal cities tolerate odd ideas, and smart people by definition have odd ideas.

And only odd and new ideas create new business, new wealth.

No liberal climate => No economic growth.

Paul Graham - How to Be Silicon Valley