The universities are not a scam and do count. "Self-perpetuating reputation scheme" simply means positive network externalities for good professors, researchers and students, who seek each other out. The glorious antiquated buildings don't mean much.
Similarly, a startup hub means positive network externalities for good founders, workers and investors. Much like planets clean out orbits, hubs tend to not be nearby. I don't have a good read on whether the London hub will persist or be overcome by an EU one. It will depend on which force wins out.
As for your comments about the EU's role, these seem political in nature and I just happen to mostly disagree.
Similarly, a startup hub means positive network externalities for good founders, workers and investors. Much like planets clean out orbits, hubs tend to not be nearby. I don't have a good read on whether the London hub will persist or be overcome by an EU one. It will depend on which force wins out.
As for your comments about the EU's role, these seem political in nature and I just happen to mostly disagree.