ITIF Publication, Events and News Articles

The Future of Privacy Online

dcastro — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

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From blogs to Facebook profiles to Twitter messages, individuals are increasingly choosing to share information about themselves online. More personal information online brings both risks and rewards. How are companies using this digital information and how do consumers benefits from increased data sharing? Perhaps more importantly, do consumers have enough control over their personal information or is there a need for government regulators to step in?

Join the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and the Technology Policy Institute (TPI) for a wide-ranging discussion on online privacy issues and the current privacy legislation before Congress.

The Emerging Mobile Broadband and its New Business Models

kangstadt — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:30:00 +0000

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ITIF is pleased to invite you to a special event on the private sector transformations and the public policy imperatives related to the adoption of mobile broadband.

Thanks to mobile broadband, new kinds of businesses are emerging and traditional businesses are redesigning their relationships with customers and clients. Whether it is renting a car for an afternoon, using energy efficiently in your home, or providing your doctor with timely information on your health, mobile broadband is empowering consumers with exciting new options. Just as importantly, mobile broadband is spurring the development of new applications and devices and creating new jobs in engineering and design. Around the world, the race is for new business opportunities. For U.S. firms and workers to benefit from these new opportunities, we need smart, state-of-the-art technology policies.

Stricter Privacy Regulations for Online Advertising Will Harm the Free Internet

sandes — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

A new study shows that overly strict privacy laws inhibit the effectiveness of the Internet ecosystem.

Statement by Robert Atkinson on the President's Plan to Make Permanent the R&D Tax Credit

sandes — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

“It is welcome news that President Obama will ask Congress to expand and make the research and development (R&D) tax credit permanent. This will better enable the U.S. compete globally and make it clear that the United States has finally gotten off the sidelines in the fight for global economic competitiveness.

While expanding the credit from 14 to 17, as has been reported, makes sense. ITIF thinks an even more generous credit makes even better sense. ITIF estimates that expanding the credit from 14 percent to 20 per¬cent would create 162,000 jobs in the short to moderate run and an additional, but unspecified, number of jobs in the longer run - many of them high-skill, high wage jobs.

Given that the United States created the R&D credit 30 years ago, it is astonishing how the U.S. has allowed it to whither over the years. The United States ranks 17th (and 19th for R&D tax generosity towards small businesses) amongst the 30 OECD nations. With R&D the credit expired, the U.S. actually ranks last in R&D tax incentives. No wonder research and manufacturing jobs are growing faster in many other nations than in the United States.

U.S. corporate taxes are the second highest among developed nations. So we must take steps to make U.S. businesses, large and small, more productive and competitive. The President’s proposal on expensing would encourage capital expenditures and create jobs. A more generous R&D credit would make the U.S. more attractive as a global destination for investment, thus helping us retain the most desirable jobs today and enhancing our R&D capacity for tomorrow. ITIF estimates that expanding the credit from 14 to 20 percent would over a number of years actually pay for itself in expanded federal tax revenues.

The business community and organized labor, Democrats and Republicans have supported the R&D credit for more than a generation. Whatever their impulse for partisan inaction as we approach the mid-term elections, lawmakers from both parties need to seize this moment and make the R&D credit permanent and more generous.”

Statement by ITIF Senior Research Fellow Richard Bennett on Latest FCC Actions on Open Internet

snorton — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

“ITIF supports the FCC's decision to seek public comment on two specific questions that are critical to the future of the Internet: managed services and mobile broadband. These two difficult questions have eluded consensus so far, and no Open Internet order can survive court challenge and win broad support if the FCC doesn't get them right.

Some pressure groups have hounded the FCC to make an election issue out of its Open Internet proceeding by handing down a rash decision. The Commission, under the able leadership of Chairman Genachowski, wisely concludes that the Internet is too important to the future of the American economy and our systems of education, health care, transportation, and environmental protection to be subjected to careless regulation that might have undesirable side effects on innovation. It is important for the FCC to strike the right balance between the needs of the Web applications we know today and those of future applications, regardless of how long it may take.”

Better Use of IT Could Minimize the Next Salmonella Egg-idemic

dcastro — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Big farms present big opportunities, but also big challenges. Answering these challenges will require smart policies and innovative technology. IT has an important role to play in protecting the safety of our food supply.

The Economist's Strange Attack on Industrial Policy

sandes — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

A rebuttal to the Economist’s "Picking Winners, Saving Losers" article arguing that there is an appropriate role for governments in crafting innovation policy.

Cloud Computing Requires National Policy Leadership

sandes — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers can help cloud computing flourish by creating policies that will support its development and avoiding policies that will hinder it.

ITIF Comments to FCC on Video Navigation Devices

sandes — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Creating a protected market for certain video navigation devices does not advance the goal of consumer choice.

How Can We Boost Productivity?

sandes — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Washington policy makers devote too little attention to boosting productivity

ITIF Comments on FCC Broadband Reclassifying

sandes — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF filed reply comments with the FCC today on the question of reclassifying the broadband and mobile Internet under Title II of the Communications Act.

Statement by ITIF President Rob Atkinson on Framework Agreement by Google and Verizon on Broadband and Mobile Internet Service

snorton — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

"ITIF applauds the effort Google and Verizon have made to find common ground and provide Congress with a starting point for updating regulatory policy for a rapidly evolving Internet. They've framed the issues effectively and focused the discussion on the boundaries of the consensus. Some issues still need clarification and adjustment, but the companies have advanced the dialog with this constructive proposal. It's now up to Congress to take the next step.

Preserving the Internet's traditional openness without foreclosing opportunities for future enhancement is one of the critical public policy challenges of our time. It's a difficult challenge for regulators as it requires them to peer into the crystal ball in order to visualize not just how consumers perceive the Internet today, but how it may evolve in the future as new applications emerge. The common framework offered by Google and Verizon to the Congress is very useful starting point in the ongoing discussion of the Internet’s evolution."

Analysis

"The framework is an extremely constructive step in the process that substantially clarified the FCC's role regarding the regulation of broadband and mobile Internet services. In most respects, the framework captures the consensus that exists across the Internet ecosystem to the effect that case-by-case review of Internet business practices is preferable to overly-prescriptive rules. The agreement exempts mobile traffic management practices from most regulations, which is appropriate given the challenging nature of mobile technology and the rapid pace of change as 4G services such as LTE emerge.

The framework preserves network competition and protects consumers and innovators from undue discrimination, but also allows network operators considerable latitude to manage their networks in a way that assures the quality of the user experience. The most controversial portions of the common framework deal with complex engineering and business issues regarding services for high-priority applications.

A new generation of applications is emerging on the Internet that will ultimately require advanced treatment by network operators. Commercial Internet users have access to a wide array of service options today that they use to ensure that their most advanced applications, such as high-definition video conferencing, receive priority over more traditional applications such as web surfing. This is a constructive practice with considerable consumer benefit when implemented properly.

The common framework does permit premium transport, but only after an unspecified rebuttal is successfully lodged. It’s more constructive to presume that such practices are permissible as long as they’re voluntary and don’t harm consumers or competition. Such details will need to be fleshed out as Congress continues its work to clarify the FCC's authority, and as the FCC defines implementing regulations for Congressional policy."

Viewpoints: Bill would shield unions, not children

sandes — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Arguments that self-checkouts will promote underage drinkings are red herrings meant to distract policy makers from the innovative potential of self-service technology

ITIF Statement on Restrictions of Blackberry Smart Phone Use

sandes — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Following reports that India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates plan to restrict the use of BlackBerry smart phones, ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson made the following statement:

"The recent activity by governments to regulate RIM's services reflects the challenges that many IT businesses face operating in a global economy. While businesses should be good corporate citizens and respect civil liberties, ultimately every nation must determine for itself where it draws the line for appropriate levels of free speech, government access to information, privacy, and other rights. Balancing government's interest in accessing information for national security purposes and the interests of individuals and organizations to safeguard privacy and confidentiality is not easy. This balancing act grows more complicated each day with the proliferation of new devices and telecommunications technologies.

Countries that want to succeed in the global economy should embrace policies that support IT-enabled innovation, which is likely to be more important to national security in the long-term than temporary crackdowns on certain technologies.

When used appropriately, information technology and innovation can enhance prosperity and the quality of life for all people. Governments and private sector stakeholders should work toward arrangements that address government's twin interests in protecting security and advancing innovation and prosperity."

The US Senate Dives Into Privacy Issues

sandes — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The ample opportunities provided by the Internet and social media are redefining the complexity of personal privacy

Smarter Uses of ICT for a Smarter World

dcastro — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Daniel Castro to speak at the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APEC TEL 42) which will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

Statement by ITIF President Rob Atkinson on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

sandes — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

"Information technology has played an important role in helping millions of Americans with disabilities reach their potential and more fully enjoy life. Fortunately, we are just getting started. From GPS with audio prompts that help disabled people navigate, to IT-enabled artificial retinas that are restoring and improving vision to IT-powered artificial limbs, IT is at the center of giving new abilities to more and more people. Our main challenge is to bring these technologies to more people."

"The spirit of ADA is to expand opportunities to participate in and contribute to society. On this 20th anniversary of the ADA, we should also celebrate the spirit of innovation and encourage the development of technological advances that can contribute to making the very idea of disability obsolete."

"Congress should look to policies that enable and support the kinds of innovations that lead to better quality of life for individuals with disabilities and work to address accessibility issues for existing and emerging technology such as the Internet, video and smart phones."

ITIF catalogued the many ways IT has helped people with disabilities in its report Digital Quality of Life in 2008. In a report released this year, Embracing the Self-Service Economy, ITIF cited examples where self-service kiosks, on-line shopping and other innovations are creating new options for disabled people.

Background:

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush following its passage in the House by a vote of 277-28 and in the Senate by a vote of 91-6. The law bars discrimination against people with disabilities and requires businesses and governments to make accommodations accessible to people with disabilities. Congress is currently considering the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (H.R. 3101), authored by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), which is intended to increase the accessibility of critical services and technologies.

Getting Serious about Education: Why Can We Measure Students but Not Teachers?

sandes — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

D.C. public schools are right to explore merit-based pay for teachers.

The Measurement of Mobile Broadband Network Performance and Coverage

sandes — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF urges the FCC to rely on consumers to gauge the quality of mobile broadband.

Innovation and Economic Competitiveness

sandes — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson's presentation at the "Science, Technology and Innovation: Imperatives for National and Economic Security" conference.

New Senate COMPETES Act Includes Key ITIF Proposals

sandes — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation today welcomed the Senate Commerce Committee’s approval of legislation to authorize the COMPETES Act with a number of provisions based in part on ITIF proposals.

The COMPETES Act reauthorization aims to enhance national innovation with a comprehensive approach to invest in research and education. The Committee approved the bill with solid bipartisan support. It includes a provision offered by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Sen. George LaMieux, R-FL, which would encourage and facilitate the commercialization of innovations taking place in university laboratories and another offered by Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA, and others requiring the Administration to develop a national competitiveness and innovation strategy.

“I am delighted the Committee strengthened this important bill with these amendments,” said ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson. “As ITIF has documented in numerous reports and Congressional testimony, the United States is quickly falling behind other nations when it comes to innovation and competitiveness. I salute the Senators for working with ITIF in developing their ideas to reverse that trend and bolster our long-term economic health and prosperity.”

Senator Warner’s amendment would require the Secretary of Commerce to study all aspects of U.S. competitiveness, from our manufacturing infrastructure to intellectual property enforcement to the role of state and local governments. This would enable policy makers in the Congress and the Administration to can design and adopt policies to enhance U.S. innovation and jobs in the coming decades.

The Klobuchar-LaMieux amendment would help spur greater commercialization of university research into innovations in the economy. Included in the amendment are provisions that would allow universities to use up to five percent of grant amounts toward patent applications for inventions generated by the research, expand PhD fellowships by allowing NSF to match industry donations for fellowship programs, and establish a loan guarantee program for small businesses seeking to commercialize products and patents that emerge from NSF grant-funded projects.

Atkinson testified before the Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation and export Promotion, which Senator Klobuchar chairs and on which Senator LeMieux serves as ranking member, in June and helped shape the legislation. He has also worked closely on innovation policy with Senator Warner, who is an honorary co-chair of ITIF.

The House passed its version of the COMPETES Act reauthorization in May.

Leading Innovations in Healthcare Technology

dcastro — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will offer remarks at the start of a conversation about innovations in health care. As implementation of the landmark health care reform law gets under way, an equally revolutionary change is shaping health care. Technologies are emerging that will radically change how we monitor and diagnose diseases, redefine our relationships to our doctors, make us healthier and extend our lives. The era of more precise, data-driven and effective health care has just begun and there are many questions to think about. How is technology enabling treatments customized to individual patients that are more effective and cheaper? How is technology enabling outcomes-based medicine and providing greater accountability for providers? How is technology reducing errors and improving treatment? And how is technology key to meeting the President's goal of "bending the health care cost curve?" To explore these questions, ITIF is pleased to announce a unique opportunity to hear from Dr. Rob Epstein, the Chief Medical Officer and President of Medco Research Institute, and one of the foremost leaders in the world on the healthcare innovation revolution. Please join him and ITIF president Dr. Rob Atkinson for a conversation about the latest innovations in healthcare technology and their historic implications.

Open Forum on U.S. and OECD Innovation Policy

sandes — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:00 +0000

Around the globe and here at home policymakers are increasingly recognizing the critical importance of innovation and innovation policy. Not only has innovation become vitally important—for companies and countries alike—in gaining or retaining competitive advantage, innovation is key to solving a host of pressing societal challenges. Moreover, innovation policy is evolving to reflect changes in the innovation system and the increasingly sophisticated approaches of its practitioners.

In May, the OECD issued a major new report introducing an OECD Innovation Strategy. In addition, the Obama Administration is working to develop its innovation strategy 2.0, to build on the innovation policy white paper, A Strategy for American Innovation: Driving Towards Sustainable Growth and Quality Jobs, it released in September 2009.

Please join us here at ITIF on Wednesday, July 21 from 2:30 to 4:00pm for an Open Forum on Innovation Policy to hear from the key players in both these efforts. Karen Kornbluh, U.S. Ambassador to the OECD, and Andrew Wyckoff, OECD Director of Science, Technology and Industry, will present conclusions from the new OECD Innovation Strategy. Aneesh Chopra, U.S. Chief Technology Officer, will present the Obama Administration’s innovation policy approach and discuss implications of the OECD report.

ITIF Analysis of FCC Broadband Deployment Report

sandes — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The recent FCC broadband report delivered to Congress indicates a decline in progress towards universal broadband services, yet the report has serious methodological shortcomings.

Everything Should Not be on the Budget Cutting Table: The Case for Expanding Public Investment

sandes — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Budget-cutting orthodoxy could mean harming programs that are vital to the United States” long-term economic health.

Getting Ready for the Next Recession

dcastro — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Once the economy recovers, states should be required to maintain larger rainy day funds or risk losing federal money.

ITIF Comments to FCC on Title II Reclassification Proceeding

sandes — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Richard Bennett argues the FCC should not reclassify broadband.

Using IT to Create a More Sustainable World

dcastro — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:30:00 +0000

From telepresence to smart meters, information technology (IT) is rapidly helping push the economy toward a more efficient, low-carbon future. But these tools are only the beginning. Join ITIF for a panel discussion with Dr. Bill Tomlinson, author of the recently published book from MIT Press Greening through IT: Information Technology for Environmental Sustainability to discuss specific examples of “green” uses of IT and how IT can be used to create more sustainable communities. Also participating on the panel will be John A. “Skip” Laitner, Director of Economic Analysis for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), to respond to Dr. Tomlinson’s comments and provide insight on how energy policy can promote efficiency.

ITIF welcomes Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., as its new honorary co-chairman

sandes — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

For Immediate Release July 9, 2010

For More Information: Steve Norton (202) 626-5758 snorton@itif.org

WASHINGTON – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) welcomed Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., as its new honorary co-chairman in June.

“Ron Kind understands that America’s economic future is tied to its capacity to innovate. He is a leading voice in Congress for investing in key technologies and in our workers so we can thrive amid growing global competition,” said Dr. Robert D. Atkinson, president and founder of ITIF. “I look forward to his insights and contributions as we work together to shape smart economic policy.”

Kind has represented Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District since 1996. He is a member of the House Committees on Ways and Means and Resources and co-chairs the New Democrat Coalition, a centrist group of lawmakers providing leadership on technology and innovation issues. Kind co-chairs the Coalition’s Task Force on Innovation and Competitiveness. In that capacity, he has helped create an innovation agenda that focuses on math and science education, supports manufacturing and clean energy. He is also a strong backer of America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, which aims to strengthen U.S. scientific and economic leadership, and enhance opportunities for employers to create jobs through investments in science, innovation, and education. He is a graduate of Harvard University and earned a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a Law Degree from the University of Minnesota.

“Rob Atkinson is one of the intellectual godfathers of those who care about revitalizing American innovation and economic leadership,” said Kind. “There are no think tanks in Washington providing such authoritative research and innovative thinking on issues so central to America’s long term competitiveness and prosperity. I am proud to be affiliated with ITIF.”

Kind will fill the position held by Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala., who is leaving Congress. He will join Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Mark Warner, D-Va., as an honorary co-chairman of ITIF.

ITIF is a cutting-edge economic policy think tank based in Washington, DC. ITIF focuses on the roles innovation and technology play in our economic well being and quality of life. Non-partisan and non-profit, ITIF is 501(C)3 organization.

Time to End Rampant Mercantilism

sandes — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Global innovation has the potential to let all countries grow their economies but only if nations eliminate harmful mercantilist policies.

ICT R&D Policies: An International Perspective

sandes — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

While the U.S. once led the world in IT R&D, in the last decade other nations have caught up, as a share of total R&D.

ACTA Critics Oppose Strict IP Enforcement, Not Just Text of Agreement

dcastro — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ACTA may not be perfect, but it would offer greater protection for intellectual property rights—a direct benefit for American companies, American jobs, and American consumers.

Statement by ITIF Senior Analyst Daniel Castro on New Internet Sales Tax Legislation

sandes — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

For Immediate Release July 6, 2010

For More information: Steve Norton (202) 626-5758 snorton@itif.org

“As Congress considers legislation that would require online retailers to collect sales taxes, it should strive to create a solution that is both fair and simple for everyone. This means Congress should not consider the sales tax issue in isolation, but remember that it is part of an ecosystem of laws and regulations erected by States that often favor local businesses at the expense of online businesses. We need technology-neutral policies across the board, not just in tax policy.”

Background:

On July 1, 2010 Representative William Delahunt (D-MA) introduced H.R. 5660 the “Main Street Fairness Act” which would allow states to collect sales taxes from retailers for online purchases.

For more details and history on the background of Internet sales tax issue, please see ITIF’s publication Closing the E-Commerce Sales Tax Loophole [http://www.itif.org/files/2010-sales-tax.pdf].

In this report ITIF explains how Congress could effectively level the playing field for businesses and recommends, “Congress should grant states the authority to require Internet retailers to collect sales tax on e-commerce under a simplified tax system provided that states also agree to eliminate restrictive regulations hurting e-commerce.”

Give Innovation Economics a Chance

sandes — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Innovation economics offers more useful policy proposals for shrinking the budget deficit than neoclassical economics

The Failure of American Higher Education

sandes — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Are American's colleges really preparing graduates for the modern economy?

Book Discussion with Clyde Prestowitz: The Betrayal of American Prosperity

sandes — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Please join ITIF on Wednesday, June 30 as Clyde Prestowitz, President of the Economic Strategy Institute, discusses his latest book, “The Betrayal of American Prosperity: Free Market Delusions, America’s Decline, and How We Must Compete in the Post-Dollar Era.”

Prestowitz argues that between 1800 and 1950 America became the richest country the world had ever seen by adopting an economic strategy similar to that of China today. The United States rejected Adam Smith’s call for it to be primarily a supplier of raw materials and agricultural commodities and set out consciously to build a business-government partnership to overtake the industrial leadership of Great Britain by promoting technology development, investment in American production in key industries, and massive infrastructure projects like the transcontinental railroad. But Prestowitz holds that, in the past fifty years, the United States has largely turned its back on this approach while our “best and brightest” have subordinated our economic development to geo-political priorities and embraced false doctrines like consumerism, efficient markets, Ricardian free trade, and shareholder value that, in an era of companies without countries, are rapidly eroding the bases of our prosperity and national security.

Prestowitz will discuss the current competitive position of the United States in global economic activity, which he views as “a massive economic defeat we are now absorbing,” explain how the U.S. economy got to where it is, and propose recommendations and policies he believes the United States should undertake to revitalize its productive base and competitive position.

Statement by ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson on WTO Ruling in Boeing-Airbus Dispute

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

"Though it is a victory for the United States, this ruling serves as a reminder of the rampant distortions in the global marketplace. The long-running dispute with Europe over Airbus also reflects an understanding by U.S. policymakers and the WTO that Airbus thrives because of subsidies. Without the diligent enforcement of trade rules against such subsidies, Boeing would stand to lose market share and possibly be forced out of business, with the loss of thousands of good paying American jobs," said Atkinson. "We would have been kidding ourselves if we had assumed the market would allocate capital into new enterprises where Boeing employees could readily find jobs. Both Republican and Democratic administrations understood this reality and wisely pursued this case over the years to today's milestone. It is critical for the United States to continue to be vigilant in fighting protectionism and mercantilism by our trading partners. For free trade to succeed, all actors must actually engage in it."

Background:
The heart of the six-year-old dispute between the United States and the European Union is subsidies. The U.S.-based Boeing argued that Airbus no longer needs a variety of subsidies, such as launch aid and loans. Europe's Airbus countered that the U.S. was aiding Boeing by funneling subsidies through military research funds, presenting an unfair advantage over Airbus.

On June 30, 2010, a World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel ruled in favor of the United States. The panel determined that subsidies provided by European countries to Airbus adversely affected U.S. businesses and workers and recommended that Airbus take steps to withdraw the subsidies.

Internet Regulatory Reform Proceeds Apace, Quietly

sandes — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Some advocates are miffed about the process underway to clarify the FCC's role as a broadband regulator, but they shouldn't be.

Testimony on Innovation and Commercialization in America

sandes — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:30:00 +0000

ITIF President Robert Atkinson's testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee on Competition, Innovation, and Export Promotion, outlines the declining leadership of U.S. scientific commercialization and some of the steps we can take to become more globally competitive.

Watch Dr. Atkinson's Testimony

Advanced Battery Manufacturing

sandes — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Dr. James Miller, Vehicle Technologies Program, US Department of Energy, gave a presentation on R&D for advanced batteries that examined the barriers to innovation in different components of the value chain for advanced batteries.

Statement by Senior Analyst, Daniel Castro on the Administration’s IP Enforcement Plan

dcastro — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

“When it comes to protecting intellectual property, we are never doing enough. IP theft costs the United States billions of dollars a year and eats away at the value of a core American strength – our smarts and ingenuity. However, the Administration’s strategic plan outlined this week would certainly exceed current enforcement efforts. We are pleased the plan includes a number of recommendations ITIF made in a filing earlier this year, including improved transparency, better intergovernmental coordination and more effective use of information technology.

At the same time, we continue to believe that more robust and creative approaches are needed. In addition to boosting enforcement resources at USTR, we have called for giving tax incentives for companies to bring IP cases to the WTO and tying foreign aid to countries’ willingness to take enforcement seriously. These are among the steps that would show our companies, workers and trading partners just how serious the United States is when it comes to protecting our IP.”

Background:

This week Victoria Espinel, the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) in the White House, released a strategic plan on intellectual property enforcement as directed by the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (PRO-IP Act). ITIF submitted comments to the IPEC, many of which were included in the strategic plan.

The plan includes several of ITIF's recommendations submitted in comments in March 2010.

“support transparency in the development of enforcement policy, information sharing and reporting of law enforcement activities at home and abroad."
"work with our trading partners and with international organizations to better enforce American intellectual property rights in the global economy."
"improve coordination...at the Federal, state and local level, of personnel stationed overseas and of the U.S. government’s international training efforts."
"secure supply chains to stem the flow of infringing products at our borders and through enhanced cooperation with the private sector."
"improve data and information collection from intellectual property-related activity and continuously assess domestic and foreign laws and enforcement activities to maintain an open, fair and balanced environment for American intellectual property right holders."

ITIF included additional recommendations in its March filing:

Strengthen the U.S. Trade Enforcement Regime
- Expand Funding for Trade Enforcement at USTR
- Establish a Tax Credit for Companies that File WTO Cases
- Work With International Development Organizations to Make Aid Contingent on Legitimate Efforts to Protect IP
- Form a United Front with Other Nations, Especially European Nations, to Fight Global Piracy
Combat Digital Piracy
- Support Anti-Piracy Innovation
- Encourage Coordinated Industry Action
- Pursue International Frameworks to Protect Intellectual Property
Educate Other Nations on the Importance of Respecting IP
Use Technology to Better Monitor and Combat the Problem of Global IP Theft

Testimony on Innovation and Commercialization in America

sandes — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Statement by Rob Atkinson before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation subcommittee on Competition, Innovation and Export Promotion.

Consumer Group Wants to Restrict Health IT Investments

dcastro — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers should give insurers the freedom they need to find the most innovative health IT applications available.

Where Does the US Really Stand in Broadband and Why?

sandes — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Resolved: The US is lagging seriously behind other countries on broadband access and this is due primarily to a failure of U.S. telecom regulation. That is not the way ITIF sees it and we welcome the chance to explain why in a debate. Everyone agrees it would be better if more Americans were enjoying broadband capability in computing and telecommunications. But are we as far behind as some critics say? How do we measure international rankings? If we are lagging badly is this because regulators have let service providers focus on corporate bottom line rather than the broader public interest? Or is it, as ITIF believes, more complex? Is America actually doing better than what critics contend and are the impediments to wider broadband deployment more related to an array of infrastructure challenges and to America's persistent socioeconomic digital divide? What can we do about these challenges? Join us for lively and spirited debate to settle these questions – with live voting for the audience.

Move the Broadband Policy Debate to Congress

sandes — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF explains that Congress must provide the FCC with clear regulatory authority to reclassify and regulate broadband Internet service.

Divorce Washington at Your Peril, Silicon Valley

sandes — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Silicon Valley should think twice before thinking Washington doesn't matter.

Data Privacy Principles for Spurring Innovation

dcastro — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF responds to the Department of Commerce's Notice of Inquiry on the nexus between privacy policy and innovation in the Internet economy.

Ten Myths of Addressing Global Warming and the Green Economy

sandes — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF dismantles the top ten myths in the climate change debate.

H-1B Visa Workers: Lower-Wage Substitute, or Higher-Wage Complement?

sandes — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

A new study shows H-1B visas for foreign professionals actually promote U.S. high tech employment.

Strengthening Clean Energy Competitiveness

dcastro — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Reauthorizing the American COMPETES Act provides an opportunity for Congress to strengthen U.S. clean energy innovation and competitiveness policies.