Blogs and Op-eds

Attorney General Asks for More Tools to Combat IP Infringement

afearon — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Without new legislation, the Department of Justice can only bring misdemeanor charges against criminals and terrorists engaged in widespread, for-profit online streaming.

Climate Hawks Should Aggressively Support the America COMPETES Act

afearon — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The American COMPETES Act strengthens the foundation that the emerging clean energy industry must rely on for present and future growth.

Latest Report Highlights Continuing IP Infringement Concerns

afearon — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF discusses possible responses to the USTR’s Special 301 Report, which highlights the damage theft of intellectual property has on the U.S. economy.

Canada is Right to Focus on Applied Research

afearon — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The Canadian government made the right decision in choosing to refocus its National Research Council on industrially-relevant research.

DOE Proposes Expanding High Impact Energy Innovation Incubator Program

afearon — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The President’s FY2014 budget would create eight new incubator programs at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

A Research Investor’s Visa Would Spur U.S. Economic and Employment Growth

afearon — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

A research investor’s visa would represent an innovative path to U.S. citizenship that at the same time boosts R&D investment and the competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

“Fab Lab” Bill Would Stimulate Manufacturing Innovation

afearon — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The National Fab Lab Network Act of 2013 (H.R. 1289) is a step in the right direction for manufacturing policy.

Thomas Friedman’s Evolving Support for an Innovation Carbon Tax

afearon — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Columnist Tom Friedman presents an interesting example of support for both climate policy and innovation with constant support for a carbon tax.

U. S. Broadband Speed Slightly Better in Latest Akamai Report

afearon — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The latest report from Akamai shows U.S. broadband speeds are still moving up in the international rankings.

Technology is Not the Problem — It Is the Solution

afearon — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Continued expansion of technology and innovation is necessary for the growth and expansion of 21st century society.

Senate Finance Committee’s Hearing on TPP Needs to Address Intellectual Property Protection

afearon — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Protecting IP-intensive companies engaged in international trade should be foremost on Senate Finance Committee agenda.

Caught on Camera: The Inconsistency of Privacy Advocates on Surveillance Technology

afearon — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Privacy advocates are attempting to disguise ideological opposition to surveillance cameras as a debate about cost and effectiveness after the Boston Marathon Bombing.

America’s Broadband Is Not Broken

afearon — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The argument for a massive reorganization of America’s broadband markets depends on a set of facts that don’t exist.

The Future of Agriculture in a Warming World

afearon — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

We must transform and reinvest in our international agricultural innovation ecosystem to produce more productive, resilient crops for a hungrier and warmer world.

Robots Are Good for Us: Really, They Are!

afearon — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The belief that automation is responsible for manufacturing decline is a nothing more than a neoclassical fallacy.

Obama’s Budget Boosts Support for Energy Innovation

afearon — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers must continue to recognize the importance of public support for energy innovation – and R&D funding throughout the federal government – as a means to rebuilding the post-recession American economy.

Finding a New Direction in Climate Change Policy

afearon — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

A reflection on the book "Climate Change Policy Failures" and how to best move climate policy forward.

Observations on the President’s Budget in Agriculture

afearon — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Budget proposals for USDA are seemingly positive but won't achieve much without reform in research and international cooperation.

How Did You Sign Your Taxes This Year? Not with an Electronic ID

afearon — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. should look at international leadership on electronic ID systems and consider adoption of similar practices.

What’s the Right Path for Manufacturing?

afearon — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Any effective manufacturing strategy has to include a robust “tech and talent” initiative, which would include a fully funded NNMI.

How Much Broadband Choice Do Americans Have?

afearon — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Examining the degree of meaningful choice U.S. broadband providers give their consumers.

Top Competitors Continue to Outinvest United States in Export Credit Financing

afearon — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Export credit financing is a critical tool for boosting U.S. exports, boosting U.S. job growth, narrowing the trade deficit, and revitalizing the U.S. economy.

ITIF Event Highlights the Social and Economic Case for Autonomous Vehicles

afearon — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Recap of the benefits and progress of autonomous vehicles as highlighted in ITIF's event.

Ernest Moniz’ Confirmation Hearing Underscores Importance of Innovation

afearon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The Energy Secretary nominee talked at length about the need for robust energy innovation policy.

Obamaphone in the Crosshairs

afearon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Attacking subsidized mobile phones is not helpful in advancing any policy debate.

President Obama’s Budget Promotes Innovation but More Work Needs to be Done

afearon — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The President’s budget proposal does create a stronger innovation framework but careful negotiations will be needed going forward.

Climate Fight Should Target Coal, Not Keystone

afearon — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Climate activists need to reshape their focus to protest the real challenge to U.S. clean energy.

The Limits of Renewable Energy

afearon — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The real lesson of the NREL study is that much more innovation is necessary to achieve deep and affordable carbon reductions.

Capitol Records v. ReDigi and Selling “Used” Digital Goods

afearon — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The ReDigi example proves reforms to the Copyright Act need to revisit whether the technology has changed enough to warrant rethinking the First Sale doctrine for digital goods.

Fear Not, Australia Cabinet Merger is Actually Better For Climate Change Mitigation

afearon — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The merger of two Australian departments is a welcome recognition that innovation policy and climate change mitigation are linked.

2013 Aviation Summit Highlights Industry’s Contributions to U.S. Economic Competitiveness

afearon — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The health of U.S. traded sector enterprises in industries such as aerospace, automobiles, and airlines simply can’t be taken for granted.

Phone Phreaks, STEM Freaks, and STEM Education

afearon — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

How the "Phone Phreaks" model is a good example for inspiring interest and experimentation in STEM students today.

The Epistemic Sequester: Budget Cuts Kill an Important Statistical Program

afearon — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The Sequester is about to deliver another kick in the teeth to American competitiveness: it’s going to sharply reduce our ability to measure it.

Strengthening America’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Capability

afearon — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative is a significant first step on the path to a robust U.S. clean energy manufacturing sector.

Linking States to Federal Energy Research: Talking Energy Innovation with ARPA-E’s Cheryl Martin

afearon — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Cheryl Martin reflects on ARPA-E’s perspective on the role of states in energy innovation.

Linking Research to Market: Talking Energy Innovation with ARPA-E’s Cheryl Martin

afearon — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

ARPA-E's Cheryl Martin covers a pervasive issue in innovation policy: linking research and emerging technologies to market.

Entitlements or Investment? Democrats Must Pick

afearon — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Laboratories or retirement communities, it's time to choose.

Congress Passes Full-Year FY2013 Continuing Resolution

afearon — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Energy innovation investment within the Department of Energy is down more than 5 percent since FY2012.

India’s IP Growing Pains

afearon — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

In a piece for Reuters, Stephen Ezell reflects on India's need to focus on boosting domestic employment by increasing across-the-board productivity growth.

Letting the Fox in the Hen House: Why the U.S. Should Restrict Chinese Control of the IMF

afearon — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

If the IMF is truly committed to open trade and market-oriented policies it will need to make rolling back Chinese mercantilism a top goal.

ARPA-E’s Lessons Learned: Talking Energy Innovation with ARPA-E’s Cheryl Martin

afearon — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Matthew Stepp sits down with Deputy Director of ARPA-E Cheryl Martin to talk about her unique take on ARPA-E and the evolving U.S. energy innovation ecosystem.

ARPA-E Expands Pursuit of Transportation Decarbonization

afearon — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

ARPA-E programs signals emerging government recognition of the importance of transportation decarbonization and the need for transportation technologies to facilitate that endeavor.

Price Discrimination for Copyrighted Works Post-Kirtsaeng

afearon — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The ruling in Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley and Sons will make price discrimination difficult for non-digital goods.

Ask Not What Innovation Can do for You; Ask What You Can do for Innovation

afearon — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

There is a growing selfishness and preference for current consumption today in America and around the world.

Policymakers Share Common Ground on Energy Revenue, But Can They Deliver?

afearon — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The FAIR Act signals growing interest in linking energy production to energy innovation.

Energy Security Trust Fund an Important Policy Pilot for Supporting Innovation

afearon — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Proposal for tying transportation R&D to a dedicated revenue source could be a model for funding energy innovation.

Making Energy Innovation Part of Climate Policy Debate

afearon — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It's time for energy innovation policy to become a priority in our policy nuance and our elevator pitches, the nation cannot face the challenges of climate change without it.

The Indian Economy at a Crossroads

afearon — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

India’s recent trade policies are placing their relationship with the U.S. in jeopardy.

Why the 2000s Were a Lost Decade for American Manufacturing

afearon — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

In his monthly contribution to "IndustryWeek," Rob Atkinson argues we can expect overall manufacturing output, and the jobs that are based on it, to continue to recede unless we address the real problems we face.

The Cost of Privacy: Netflix – Three Years & Three-Quarters of a Million Dollars

afearon — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Netflix announced a new feature “Netflix Social" made possible because of an update to a privacy law.

The Essential Input That Makes Singapore A Glittering Symbol Of Wealth

afearon — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Singapore provides a persuasive model for a strong system of intellectual property rights. The TPP negotiators need only to look around to see the results.

Innovation Partnerships Will Only Grow in Importance

afearon — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Collaboration between startups and large energy companies could prove crucial.

Policy by “Sunday Drivers”

afearon — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Sunday op-ed writers should consider the facts before urging public policymakers to make changes to clean energy and copyright policy.

A Short and Long-Term Solution to America's STEM Crisis

afearon — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The I-Squared Act is an important step in the right direction.

On Moving Towards Innovative Solutions to Deploying Clean Energy Technologies

afearon — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Matthew Stepp puts the clean energy deployment policy debate within the frame of innovation and discusses one potential solution.

The FTC’s Top Consumer Priority Should be Identity Theft

afearon — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As Commissioner Ramirez begins her new term, the FTC can be more effective at making meaningful progress in addressing identity theft, such as through better use of technology.

Britain in America’s Rear View Mirror

afearon — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

American broadband networks are not only faster than those in the UK, they’re also improving more rapidly.

The Real Cost of the Sequester

afearon — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Government should be focusing on reducing the investment and the budget deficits together, not implementing sledge-hammer cuts.

U.S. is Falling Further Behind in Research and Development Funding

afearon — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Congress doesn't want to hurt the next generation but slashing productive investments in the future will end up impoverishing future Americans more so.

Revenge of the Luddites

afearon — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Limiting innovation slows growth and technological progress.

Europe's Real Innovation Challenge

afearon — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Europe and America need to realize the global nature of the innovation competitiveness challenge, wrote Rob Atkinson in this special op-ed of the Spring 2013 issue of "Europe's World."

ARPA-E’s RANGE Program Will Boost Battery Innovation

afearon — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Renewed focus on battery innovation is what's needed for EV adoption.

The Tesla-Broder Debate and What It Says About Decarbonizing Transportation

afearon — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Making EVs cost and perform like gas cars is a real barrier to EVs playing any role, big or small, in decarbonizing transportation.

Minimum Wage/Maximum Growth

afearon — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

A higher minimum wage would spur economic growth, while also increasing economic fairness.

The Real Reason Why Washington Should Care About Manufacturing

afearon — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

In his monthly contribution to "IndustryWeek," Rob Atkinson argues anemic overall performance of the U.S. economy can be tied directly to the loss of traded sector, particularly, manufacturing competitiveness.

The Future of American Manufacturing

afearon — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The president’s proposed initiatives are a good start to revitalize manufacturing, but they don’t go nearly far enough.

The Supreme Court Is About to Shape the Future of Innovation

afearon — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Innovators, whether they are in a scientific laboratory or a recording studio, must count on being able to recoup their risky investments without the threat of illegal copies.

President’s Call for Addressing Climate Change Lacks Vision and Scope

afearon — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

President Obama has aggressively called for addressing climate change but ultimately came up short of a clear vision.

President Obama Calls for Creation of a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation in State of the Union Address

afearon — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

President Obama made a critical step in advancing manufacturing competitiveness during the State of the Union address.

Reacting to the Rankings

afearon — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Richard Bennett responds to the criticism, primarily from "Ars Technica," of the ITIF broadband report.

Breaking Down the Federal Clean Energy Innovation Budget: Manufacturing Investments

afearon — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Like many other parts of America’s energy innovation budget, support for advanced manufacturing is rapidly declining.

The Competitiveness Gap: The True Cause of the Global Recession

afearon — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Britain is recognizing the broader systemic causes of the global recession.

Unanswered EI 2013 Questions on Nuclear and Energy Storage

afearon — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Panelists from ITIF’s Energy Innovation 2013 conference respond to a few unanswered audience questions.

Yes Virginia, We Do Have a Need for More STEM Workers

afearon — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

America can’t afford fighting over efforts like I-squared that are key ingredients in STEM reform.

So You Want Green Energy, New Medicines and Flying Cars? You Need the Federal Government

afearon — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It's time to stop complaining about innovation stagnation and focus on a real solution: increasing federal support for scientific research.

A Declaration of the Interdependence of Cyberspace

afearon — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

On the anniversary of John Perry Barlow's issuing 'A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace,' a response and alternate call to action.

The Dangerous Appeal of China's Green Mercantilism

afearon — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Is China's national approach to scaling up green technologies the key to global decarbonization? Matthew Stepp responds to John Mathews.

Highlights of Senator Murkowski’s Energy 20/20 Policy Blueprint

afearon — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Energy 20/20 includes several policy recommendations that mirror ITIF’s own.

Health IT in 2013: A Renewed Focus on Efficiency and Effectiveness

afearon — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We need to be thinking long-term about how to maximize the benefits of health IT and rethinking how we use IT to innovate in health care.

Salmon: Not Out of the Woods Yet

afearon — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Recent comments on a FDA proposal show many are still unnecessarily skeptical of salmon fisheries.

It’s Global Warming, Not Just American Warming

afearon — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Solving climate change will require the adoption of clean energy globally.

Looking Back at the Tenure of Energy Secretary Steven Chu

afearon — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

A look at the Energy Department’s challenges and accomplishments over the past four years and the work that remains to be done.

The Real Privacy Issue

afearon — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Policymakers should create rules that protect individuals from harm rather than to try to prevent the advancement of technology and the associated benefits.

Solving Climate Change Through Energy Innovation

afearon — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Solving climate change is the one of the greatest technology innovation problems.

John Kerry: Energy Policy is the Solution to Climate Change

afearon — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Sen. John Kerry expounded on the need for and importance of smart energy policy.

My State of the Net Comments on the Importance of the Internet to Economic Growth

afearon — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson reflects on his presentation at State of the Net.

Breaking Down the Federal Clean Energy Innovation Budget: Deployment Incentives

afearon — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The imperative to accelerate the development and deployment of these technologies is quickly growing.

Withdraw India’s GSP Preference If It Continues to Impose Localization Barriers to Trade on Foreign Enterprises

afearon — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Developed nations can take measures to help other developing nations resist adopting mercantilist practices.

President Obama, the Born Again Climate Hawk...Now What?

afearon — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The 2013 inaugural address brought attention to climate change and the policies we really need to move forward on the issue.

Critical Materials Institute a Welcome Addition to the Energy Innovation Ecosystem

afearon — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The fifth Energy Innovation Hub to date will focus on a vital issue area.

I (Want) Robot

afearon — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Both history and scholarly analysis have consistently refuted the notion that increased productivity (through automation, self-service or robots) leads to higher unemployment.

Breaking Down the Federal Clean Energy Innovation Budget: Demonstration Projects

afearon — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Even with the critical support at the National Labs, disjointed clean tech policy, coupled with stop-and-start funding for demonstration projects slows the development of breakthrough energy technologies.

America Needs a Vibrant Clean Energy Manufacturing Sector

afearon — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The release of a several papers highlights the importance of policy to revitalize domestic clean energy manufacturing.

5 Q’s on Data Innovation with Hudson Hollister

afearon — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Hudson Hollister talks to Daniel Castro about how data transparency is unfolding in the federal government.

Location Privacy Legislation is Move in Wrong Direction: Part 2 – Stalking and Domestic Violence

afearon — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Congress should not link the debate about honest uses of location data to domestic violence.

Creating the Manufacturing University

afearon — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Proposing federal support of institutions to advance manufacturing competitiveness through advanced research, innovation, and productivity.

California AG’s Mobile Ecosystem Report Not the Worst

afearon — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Daniel Castro responds to the CA attorney general’s report on mobile privacy.

Breaking Down the Federal Clean Energy Innovation Budget

afearon — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Ultimately, the current federal clean energy innovation budget is not only underfunded, but is also less diversified across innovations phases, potentially resulting in significant barriers to next-generation energy innovation.

An Inconsistent Mandate

afearon — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Lawmakers should ignore the “single technology mandate” before this ill-considered notion sets the U.S. on the road to an innovation-killing mobile regulation regime.

Are Toll Lanes Unequal? A Response to the Rawlsian Critics

afearon — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Rawlisan philosophy has no place in thinking about transportation solutions like the Beltway toll lanes, which are progressive and not threatening.

Five Q’s on Data Innovation with Terry Milholland

afearon — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Daniel Castro asked Terry Milholland, CTO, IRS to discuss his experiences at IRS and emerging trends on the use of data in government.

Innovation Should Be Central to Next Energy Secretary’s Agenda

afearon — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

President Obama should ensure that his next Energy Secretary values energy innovation.

Captive Policy

afearon — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Susan Crawford’s “Captive Audience” book fails to make a credible case for radical change in the broadband policy space.

Location Privacy Legislation is Move in Wrong Direction: Part 1 – User Notice and Choice

afearon — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Given the innovation based on location data, policymakers should be wary of interfering, especially since current measures offer consumers sufficient protection, notice and choice.

Assessing the Wind Production Tax Credit

afearon — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Stakeholders need to more thoughtfully tailor policies as we pursue energy innovation.

The Quiet Clean Energy Innovation Revolution at the Department of Energy

afearon — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As President Obama’s second term starts, the reform torch is being passed to new DOE leaders driven to continue reshaping the agency.

How Do We Best Tackle Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Personal Transport?

afearon — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Advances in EV battery technology have the potential to solve all three EV issues.

Clarifying Public Investments in Clean Energy Innovation

afearon — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Providing clarity on what characterizes clean energy innovation policy is critically important for the future.

The Past, Present, and New Year of U.S. Clean Energy Policy

afearon — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Now that it's 2013, it’s important to take stock of where clean energy policy has come in the last four years and what challenges it faces today.

New Year’s Resolution for the Federal Government: Make It Easy to Complete Federal Forms Electronically

afearon — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Federal agencies in 2013 should resolve to create fully functional electronic forms.

Getting SMARTer About Wielding ICT to Cut Emissions

afearon — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A new report highlights ICT’s substantial climate change mitigation potential.

Wyden and Murkowski: The Great Senate Hope for Energy Innovation Policy in 2013

afearon — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

While Wyden-Murkowski energy bipartisanship gives a breath of fresh air to energy policy, the buck doesn’t stop with either Senator.

Amid Energy Crisis, a Need to Define and Promote Innovation

afearon — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Improving energy innovation and developing new designs can propel the world to reductions in carbon emissions.

Energy Innovation: The Proper Definition and Why it’s So Crucial

afearon — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The true definition of energy innovation policy and how it’s framed in the policy debate is important.

Authoritarians Win, Internet Loses in Dubai

afearon — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The WCIT summit in Dubai result in a lack of consensus telecom treaty for the first time in more than a century.

Immigration Policy: Is the U.S. the International Champ, or Chump?

afearon — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The United States faces a critical problem: an increasingly unskilled workforce. But what are we doing about it?

Sparks Will Fly at Spectrum Incentive Auctions Hearing

afearon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Sparks will fly over the licensed vs. unlicensed apportionment and over bidder eligibility at House Committee hearing.

Countering David Frum: Super-Charging Energy Innovation through Public Investment

afearon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Emerging batteries, higher-efficiency solar cells, next-generation wind turbines, and a smarter grid, are evidence of the value of public investment in clean energy.

5 Q’s on Data Innovation with Dr. Dan Riskin

afearon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Dr. Dan Riskin of Health Fidelity reflects on how data-driven innovations are transforming the health care industry.

Building the Global Innovation Economy

afearon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson and Stephen Ezell argue for kickstarting innovation around the world by overcoming outdated and unfair policies.

Spoons: For Eating From the Trough of Growth, or for Digging a Pointless Hole?

afearon — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Rebuttal to Krugman's claims that innovation has lead to lower employment and lower wages.

The Charlatan’s Cartels

afearon — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We have some issues in telecom policy in the U. S. these days but broadsided criticisms that are all but completely divorced from the facts aren't going to help policymakers.

New Energy Innovation Hub a Step Towards BatteryShot

afearon — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The new Hub at Argonne National Lab will help focus advanced battery development but even more coordination is needed.

Which States Are Thriving in Innovation in the New Economy?

afearon — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

In a post for Ideas Lab, Rob Atkinson provides an overview of the State New Economy Index.

WCIT Moves Slowly

afearon — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It remains to be seen if any dire outcomes will result from WCIT, as the proceedings stretch into a second week.

Pharmaceutical Innovation and Longevity

afearon — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Further evidence that debunks the myth that pharmaceutical companies aren't providing real value to the economy.

Scale-Up of Military Biofuels Could Generate Significant Economic Activity

afearon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

DOD is in a unique position when it comes to the development and procurement of alternative fuels.

“The Atlantic” Story of American Manufacturing Renaissance? Think Again

afearon — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If claims of a manufacturing rebound are continually fostered, Washington can continue to ignore manufacturing and not put in place necessary policies.

The Fight Against Chinese Green Mercantilism Continues

afearon — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Tariffs are not a magic fix for Chinese green mercantilism, which has already done lasting damage.

Repeat After Me: “Do Not Track is NOT Do Not Call”

afearon — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Aside from similar names, “Do Not Track” is not similar to “Do Not Call" as some privacy advocates have claimed.

Re-shaping the Department of Energy in Obama's Second Term: Picking a New Energy Secretary

afearon — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The selection of the new Secretary of Energy should keep in mind the great strides the department has made and where there is still room for improvement in the next four years.

5 Q’s on Data Innovation with Bill Day

afearon — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Bill Day is the platform evangelist for RunKeeper, talks about how data is changing how people exercise and monitor their health.

Linking Energy Production to Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Revenue from expanded oil and natural gas extraction should go towards clean energy innovation.

Re-shaping the Department of Energy in Obama's Second Term: Institutional Reform Goals

afearon — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The new administration should to take a hard look at the National Labs and begin implementing reforms to strengthen the GOCO model.

Counterpoint: R&D Tax Credit Spurs Innovation

afearon — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The R&D credit corrects a serious market failure and spurs U.S. companies to invest in more R&D, creating more jobs, more competitive firms and a stronger U.S. economy.

The Misguided Neoclassical Economic Thinking Behind a Carbon Tax

afearon — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The neoclassical economic doctrine fuels the misconception that a carbon tax would be a climate-change silver bullet.

Step Up Global Competitiveness in Lame Duck

afearon — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

There’s no need to wait until 2013 for Congress to pass essential legislation. Our global competitors certainly aren’t waiting to improve their tax, talent, technology and trade systems.

Creating Better Climate Policy: Linking Carbon Taxes to Investments in Clean Energy

afearon — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Climate policy design—be that a carbon tax or not—matters.

5 Q’s on Data Innovation with Tim Callan

afearon — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Tim Callan talks about how companies like RetailNext are bringing the type of data analytics traditionally used by online retailers to brick-and-mortar stores.

Cameron Calls for “Modern Industrial Strategy” to Help Britain Win Race for Global Innovation Advantage

afearon — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech sets a great example of how policymakers can chart a unified path forward.

Facilities-based Competition is Working

afearon — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

America’s facilities-based competition model is working.

No More Growth? Let's not be so Hasty: An Assessment of Robert J. Gordon's Recent Working Paper

afearon — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Robert J. Gordon’s latest no-growth forecast has received a lot of attention due to both the economic climate and its provocative nature.

Thoughts from ITIF Event on Cloud Computing in Developing Economies

afearon — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A recap of the event with Peter Cowhey and Michael Kleeman of UC San Diego on the impact of cloud computing on developing economies.

How States and Localities Can Get Off the Economic Development Treadmill

afearon — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If state and local governments want to get off the treadmill and begin to make real progress, officials will need to make their voices heard and demand that Washington comes together in a bipartisan way.

How The Economics Of The Left And Right Have Failed The Electric Car

afearon — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We need greater innovation to create electric cars that American consumers will actually want to buy and drive.

5 Q’s on Data Innovation with Lynn Etheredge

afearon — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Lynn Etheredge shares his thoughts on how health care research is changing as a result of the increased use of data.

Clean Energy Inflection Point

afearon — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Clean energy innovation is a goal that either Presidential candidate can support.

Better Clean Energy Choices for America

afearon — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Writing in the Washington Post, Matt Stepp argues for U.S. climate policy as a vehicle for innovating cheaper and better clean-energy options for all Americans.

Climate Hawks and 'Reverse Tribalism': How Our Policy Choices Are Fueling Climate Inaction

afearon — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

What Americans would get behind as ‘climate policy’ is an aggressive clean energy innovation strategy aimed at developing cheaper and better technology options.

TechElect’s Six Steps to Jobs, Prosperity, and Innovation Sets the Right Agenda

afearon — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 04:00:00 +0000

TechElect's new guide rightly focuses on what the next Administration and Congress should prioritize.

Restoring Networks After Sandy

afearon — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Many cellular network operators have responded to Hurricane Sandy in a number of creative and interesting ways, as have many Internet operators.

The Future of IT Innovation

afearon — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Robert Atkinson Discusses the Future of IT Innovation with "Government Technology."

Looking for Good Jobs? Look to Big Companies

afearon — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The real future of America’s economy lies in whether large firms and fast-growing small firms that want to be large firms succeed in America.

CalBattery Breakthrough a Product of the National Innovation Ecosystem

afearon — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A novel anode material is in large part the product of government investments in clean energy innovation.

The Tech Industry’s Odd Relationship with Government

afearon — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Two recent posts on TechCrunch about tech industry efforts to influence and work with government deserve comment.

India's Recent Trade Policies Put Domestic, International Growth at Risk

afearon — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It's not only in America's interest for India to remain committed to open, market-based trade and robust IP protections; it's also in India's.

China Doubles Down on Green Mercantilism, Purchases LDK Solar

afearon — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Chinese's solar industry woes are ongoing.

Punishing Hard Work

afearon — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

STEM education is critical to U.S. competitiveness and should not be politicized.

The Myth of Anonymity

afearon — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We do not live in an anonymous world, and we should not create policies that are based on this false assumption.

Third Debate: Basic Research Not Enough to Spur Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

In addition to the standard lack of specifics, the third debate saw unfortunate mention of basic research.

The Sad Reality Behind Foreign Direct Investment in the United States

afearon — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The United States should welcome Greenfield FDI, but most FDI is not Greenfield.

Does the U.S. Economy Compete with Other Economies?

afearon — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. economy does compete with other nations for high value-added production and losing the race means a stagnant economy.

We Don't Have All The Technology Consumers Want

afearon — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Electrifying the transportation system is a promising way of accomplishing this and significant innovations in EVs have already been made, but more is needed less EVs will remain a niche good.

Three Warning Signs America is Losing the Global Clean Energy Race

afearon — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The United States must triple its investments in innovation to make clean energy cheap and competitive everywhere. It must aggressively fight international green mercantilism to level the playing field.

The Presidential Debate We Really Need

afearon — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The current economic debate - more stimulus or more austerity - misses the point.

Breaking Mexico Out of Middle Income Trap

afearon — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The widespread use of information and communications technology is a major driver of economic growth.

Second Debate: Another Night Sans Energy Innovation and Climate Change

afearon — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Despite energy and the economy being focuses of the second presidential debate, it lacked serious discussion.

Eroding Our Foundation

afearon — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Reducing the budget deficit is important, but it should not and does not have to come at the expense of growth-inducing investments.

Regulations Are Killing Innovation in Government

afearon — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers should give more thought to creating a more flexible government bureaucracy.

Shifting Gears: A Growing Debate on How to Electrify U.S. Transportation

afearon — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF report adds to a growing debate on the short-comings of today’s EV policies and how to better support the electrification of U.S. transportation.

R&D Tax Credits: They Work! Will Policy Maker’s Listen to the Evidence?

afearon — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

R&D Tax Credits do increase innovative activity.

New Survey Shows Some Privacy Scholars Lack Objectivity

afearon — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent survey of attitudes towards online privacy shows the privacy values of the researchers are likely biasing the results.

Boosting Productivity: Time to Stop Listening to the (Conventional) Economists

afearon — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

If we are going to get the policy framework right, Washington needs to stop thinking that conventional economists are the only ones qualified to shape economic policy.

Privacy Complaint in the Silly Season

afearon — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The CEI appears to be complaining that the FCC’s privacy disclosure is too expansive, not that it’s insufficient.

Why You Don’t Want an Electric Car…Yet

afearon — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The most important step is greater innovation to create electric cars that they actually want to buy and drive.

E&E TV Interview on Electric Vehicles

afearon — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A new “innovation economics” strategy for spurring electric vehicle adoption is needed.

De-Spinning the UN Broadband Report

afearon — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The recent United Nations Broadband Commission report jumps to a number of erroneous conclusions.

It’s National Manufacturing Day!

afearon — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy and celebrating innovations in fields ranging from aerospace to medical devices.

Time for a Manufacturing Debate Based on Facts, Not Opinion

afearon — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It is time for an honest debate on the health of the American manufacturing industry.

Lessons from China’s Solar Industry Woes

afearon — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A Chinese solar panel supply glut offers three important lessons for U.S. clean energy advocates.

Put the Battery Before the Electric Vehicle

afearon — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Low battery demand is further evidence that battery innovation must come before electric vehicle deployment.

Three Clean Energy Innovation Policy Debate Questions for the Presidential Debates

afearon — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Three clean energy innovation policy debate questions for the Presidential candidates

Sequestration Threatens Future of Energy Innovation and GDP Growth

afearon — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The sequester, if applied evenly across the board to all discretionary programs, will dramatically restrict the growth of the clean energy industry.

Asking the Right Questions on Natural Gas

afearon — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF provides the questions and answers on natural gas that all clean energy stakeholders should be thinking about.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Money Better Spent on Battery Development

afearon — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Battery innovation, and not subsidies, will ultimately drive electric vehicles to cost and performance competitiveness.

Moving from Economic Uncertainty to Prosperity with a Global Innovation Consensus

afearon — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Amidst the global financial crisis, a unique opportunity to usher in an era of Innovation Economics has emerged.

Renewables Must Learn From Natural Gas

afearon — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The rise of natural gas is a model for making renewables the dominant source of electricity in America and the world.

ITIF Disputes Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Report that U.S. Set for Industrial Revival

afearon — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

U.S. industrial revival won’t happen without commitment to address underlying structural weaknesses in the U.S. manufacturing economy.

America's Looming IP Drain

afearon — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

If the U.S. fails to secure high IP standards in the trade arrangements it enters into consequences will be significant to the economy.

Why U.S. Economy Imploded and Why Recovery is So Slow

afearon — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Turning the economy around requires America winning the race for global innovation advantage.

Should We Expect Multinationals to Be Loyal?

afearon — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

What can be done in the U.S. economy to turn things around in the age of globalization?

Role of Government in Energy Innovation: Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator Project ‘Takes Off’

afearon — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The ecoDemonstrator presents an example of a well-formed partnership between government and industry to motivate innovation in a sector that desperately needs it to reduce its carbon emissions.

Free Technology Transfer is Not the Way to Go

afearon — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Proposal by Noah Smith at "The Atlantic" to give away clean technologies is misguided.

Impact of Sequestration on Technology and Innovation

afearon — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It is abundantly clear that the across-the-board cuts are bad policy and should be avoided if possible.

Supply and Demand in Kansas City

afearon — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Creating demand for broadband is essential to creating competition to build better networks.

Under-the-Table Subsidies

afearon — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Under the table subsidies provide another example of where the U.S. is going wrong in spectrum reforms.

Government Support for Clean Energy Innovation: Breakthrough Carbon Capture Modeling

afearon — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Public investments help foster a novel computer model for identifying potential carbon capture molecules.

“Building a Pipeline of Technologies:" Interview with ARENA

afearon — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF interviews a representative of Australia's promising new renewable energy agency.

Ambri and Utility-Scale Storage: Another Emerging Story of Government Investment in Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

An ARPA-E awardee might have the solution for renewable energy’s intermittency.

A Response to Dean Baker’s Review of Innovation Economics

afearon — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A critique of "Innovation Economics" misses several key points.

Basic Research the Wrong Focus for ARPA-E

afearon — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Calls to shift ARPA-E’s focus to basic research misunderstand the role the agency is meant to play.

Inconvenient Reality: The Government Role in the Shale Gas Revolution

afearon — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The federal government deserves credit for developing next generation natural gas technologies.

In the Age of Big Data, the American Information Sector Stays Small

afearon — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We shouldn't judge the impact of the information sector's impact on the employment landscape touches many other traditional industries.

Full Speed Ahead for Verizon and Cable

afearon — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Verizon deal represents a thorough analysis by DOJ that comes to a very sound conclusion and poorly-reasoned objections from groups that don't admit that broadband in the United States is moving in the right direction.

A Promising Government Program Launches Down Under

afearon — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency bears similarities with the United States' heralded ARPA-E.

MCX Announcement Highlights Growing U.S. Interest in NFC-Based Mobile Payments

afearon — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The announcement that more than a dozen retailers have plans to create a mobile-payments system highlights the growing interest in mobile payment solutions in the United States.

One Step Closer to Game-Changing Electric Vehicle Batteries

afearon — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

GM’s CEO provides public vote of confidence for Envia’s energy-dense batteries.

Tariffs Well-Justified in Fighting Green Mercantilism

afearon — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent moves to counter unfair clean energy trade practices are a step in the right direction.

Admit it, I am an Offshorer and Uncle Sam Made Me Do It

afearon — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Blaming offshoring is not going to help the United States advance in the race for global innovation advantage.

More Baby Boomers Need to Delay Retirement

afearon — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Baby boomers early retirement is having putting a strain on the national economic comeback.

Curiosity and the Case for Government Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

National Labs’ contribution to the Mars rover landing informs the ongoing debate over the government’s role in clean energy innovation.

Foreign IT IP Theft Damages U.S. SME Manufacturers

afearon — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It’s vital that that the United States pursue a “whole of government” approach to combat foreign IT IP theft.

Comparing the Privacy Policies of the Presidential Campaign Websites

afearon — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A comparison of the privacy policies of presidential candidates' websites.

Manufacturing in America - A Story of Global Competition

afearon — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The conventional wisdom that U.S. manufacturing job loss is simply a result of productivity-driven restructuring (akin to how U.S. agriculture lost jobs but remains healthy) is fundamentally flawed.

Carbon Fiber a Government Clean Tech Innovation Success Story

afearon — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

U.S. Department of Energy investments in carbon fiber R&D have been essential in spurring a booming industry.

Broadband Cherry-Picking

afearon — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The NAF's Open Technology Institute report "The Cost of Connectivity" offers a misleading and inaccurate critique of U.S. broadband service for a variety of reasons.

Road Congestion, TSA Congestion. What’s the Difference?

afearon — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The TSA should consider providing expedited service with a fee to benefit both the travelers and the TSA.

Big Benefits from Big Pharma: Longevity and Real Welfare Growth

afearon — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Pharmaceutical proliferation leads to longer, wealthier lives.

Sun City or Sun Power: Early Retirement is Hurting America

afearon — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Americans face a choice as a country: we can either keep focusing on maximizing present consumption, especially by older people, or we can focus on maximizing production so we can afford the critical investments in innovation.

LDK Solar Debt Repayment a Troubling Escalation of Green Mercantilism

afearon — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent move by the Chinese city of Xinyu could be a harbinger of things to come unless strong action is taken.

Morrill at 150: Creating American Manufacturing Universities

afearon — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The federal government should support the designation of a core of approximately 20 leading “manufacturing universities.”

GE Decision a Telling Indication of the Importance of Innovation

afearon — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Company’s halting of thin-film solar manufacturing and return to tech development is very revealing.

Voters are Ahead of Washington on Manufacturing

afearon — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The results of a bipartisan survey show support for a national manufacturing strategy.

Innovation Needs to Be Part of Carbon Tax Debate

afearon — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Renewed discussion of a national carbon tax is incomplete without considering how to spur innovation.

Joining the Great American Manufacturing Battle

afearon — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

American manufacturing has performed palpably worse than many of its major peer competitors and it's time to wake up to the realities others have claimed are exaggerated.

Natural Gas Vehicles Just a Piece of the Energy Innovation Puzzle

afearon — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

New ARPA-E grants for natural gas vehicle technology development are both welcome and revealing

Principles of Government Investment in Enterprises

afearon — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A five point framework for government agencies when making decisions about using taxpayer funds to support individual firms.

The Morrill Act at 150 Years: We Need a New Morrill Act for the 21st Century

afearon — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Creating a Morrill Act for the 21st century could solve some of the critical deficits in U.S. manufacturing sector and STEM fields.

Whatever Happened to “No Harm No Foul”?

afearon — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The reported FTC/Google privacy settlement should remind regulators about the impact of fining companies for innocent mistakes that do not result in consumer harm.

Telecommute and Help Save the World

afearon — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Telecommuting and other ICT-enabled activities can help significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Why Aren’t the Jobs There for U.S. Scientists?

afearon — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Based on ITIF’s reports, the unfortunate unemployment in life science and STEM fields has to do with inattention to public policies to keep the U.S. at the cutting edge of innovation.

Decoding the “Declaration of Internet Freedom”

afearon — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The buzz created around the "Declaration of Internet Freedom" deserves further inspection.

Green Mercantilism Is a Threat to the Clean Energy Economy

afearon — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers and advocates face a fundamental choice when it comes to green mercantilism.

In Praise of Big Business: Part 2 (Why Government Policy Should be “Size Agnostic”)

afearon — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

If we want to restore American competitiveness it’s time to rethink programs designed to help Main Street small business, and how big business can drive real economic recovery.

The Present of Video

afearon — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

"The Future of Video" hearing reopens the issues of cable carriers versus video providers and might be more of a discussion on the present situation rather than the future.

Changing Models when the Current Model is “Broken”

afearon — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

When looking to spur economic recovery, a new model is the solution.

In Praise of Big Business: Part 1

afearon — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The engines of a nation's competitiveness, innovation, and productivity are not mom-and-pop small businesses but rather the firms in traded sectors, many of which are big firms.

Bank Privacy Notices Cost Consumers Over $700M Annually

afearon — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Congress should eliminate the Gramm-Leach-Bliley privacy notices and only require banks to send these notices to customers who register their email address.

PolyPlus Battery Commercialization Boosts American Manufacturing

afearon — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A new pilot project illustrates the importance of manufacturing to energy innovation.

FY2013 Budget Process Shapes Future of Solar R&D

afearon — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The DOE is not alone in supporting solar R&D in FY2013.

When Markets Fail, Do We All Lose? The Evidence Isn’t As Clear As Reported

afearon — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent reports on the Federal Reserve's Family finance bulletin miss the point.

Federal Funding for R&D: Further Evidence That it is Needed More Than Ever Before

afearon — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

New findings in the JPAM highlight the importance and power of federal funding in inducing innovation.

The Work to Further Clean Energy Innovation Continues

afearon — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Departing ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar provides insights on the state of clean energy innovation.

ITIF Report on Green Mercantilism Discussed At Senate Hearing on Global Clean Energy Trade

afearon — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Senate hearing cites ITIF report and the essential need to curve green mercantilism.

Van Schewick’s View of Net Neutrality and Quality of Service

afearon — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Reviewing three influential reports on the Internet and Quality of Service and shaping our current understanding of net neutrality.

We Have a Sharing Problem

afearon — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

U.S. statistical agencies are barred from sharing important microdata, resulting in inaccurate economic statistics.

Public Investment in Innovation Central to A123 Advanced Battery Breakthrough

afearon — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A123 breakthrough battery provides good example of innovation and government investing.

Genius Loves Company

afearon — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Congress should work to impose pro-innovation measures like expanding the R&D tax credit.

ARPA-E Has Found Its Footing Just Fine

afearon — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

House cuts to ARPA-E are disappointing and underestimate the agency’s effectiveness.

Time to Start Thinking: A Conversation with Ed Luce

afearon — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Ed Luce's "Time to Start Thinking" raises an important reality check for Americans.

Senator Murkowski: Clean Energy Innovation Shouldn’t Be a Partisan Issue

afearon — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Comments by the Alaska Senator reinforce the importance of a continued government role in energy innovation policy.

Mulvaney Amendment Suggests Big Cuts to Energy R&D Programs

afearon — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

On June 6, 2012, a FY2013 House Vote risks passing extreme budget cuts to important energy programs.

Cato Versus Cato: VMT Tax Yes; VMT Tax No

afearon — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Reacting to VMT tax after an appearance on CNBC with Cato's Dan Mitchell.

Innovations That Will Change Your Energy Tomorrow

afearon — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF looks back at interesting clean technologies under development.

The Military Plays an Important Role in Biofuel Procurement

afearon — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Potential budgetary ban on advanced alternative fuels would harm the innovation process.

Time to Turn NNMI from Concept to Reality

afearon — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation has support on both sides of the aisle and should become a reality.

What is the Role of Energy Innovation in Delivering a Secure, Affordable Low Carbon Economy?

afearon — Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Global clean energy policymakers need to make innovation a fundamental building block of clean energy policy.

China’s Systemic Counterfeiting and IP Theft Undermine U.S. Economic and National Security

afearon — Tue, 29 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

China’s counterfeit products hurt the U.S. and have the potential to comprise mission-critical defense systems.

We Need More than a “Good Samaritan” Law for Cybersecurity Information Sharing

afearon — Sat, 26 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Understanding the facts on sharing information is critical as Congress gets down to business on cybersecurity legislation.

Bridges: Technology, Automation, and Innovation Create, Not Destroy, Jobs

afearon — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Many in Washington fail to recognize that while technology, automation, and innovation do indeed destroy some jobs in the short term, they generate far more jobs, especially over the medium to long term.

The European War on Cookies

afearon — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The EU-mandated "Cookie Law" risks putting unnecessary burdens on website owners.

Startup Act 2.0 Even Better Than 1.0

afearon — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

New bipartisan legislation could help foster clean energy innovation.

Public Investments Spurring Breakthroughs in Power Electronics

afearon — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The use of power electronics is extensively involved in the clean tech industry.

Laid-Back Higher Ed

afearon — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Congress should require disclosure of National Survey of Student Engagement Scores.

The Importance of Absentee Voting for Accessible Elections

afearon — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A new report highlights the importance of absentee voting for voters with disabilities.

Comcast Raises Invisible Data Cap

afearon — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Comcast has raised the consumption cap on its residential broadband service plans from 250 GB per month to 300.

DOC China Solar Tariff Ruling Will Boost Innovation

afearon — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We must level the playing field with China and allow technological progress and innovation to lower costs and grow the Solar PV industry.

Improved Metrics Should be Primary Goal of FISMA Reform

afearon — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Congress should modify FISMA to require federal agencies to use continuously-monitored, performance-based security metrics.

Trading Myths

afearon — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

"Trading Myths" report risk bringing people to the wrong conclusion on the state of American manufacturing.

Army’s Green Warrior Convoy Emphasizes DOD’s Role in Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

As the military branches’ roles in advanced energy research and development grow in significance, it is important to keep track of the funding allocated to clean technology development.

Internet or Else, Peasants!

afearon — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The New York Times' Eduardo Porter mangled the net neutrality issue in a recent column about Netflix.

Clean Tech Headed for Stagnation

afearon — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It’s not too late to avert both short-term clean tech bust and long-term energy innovation stagnation.

Arun Majumdar Made ARPA-E an Energy Innovation Leader

afearon — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

ARPA-E’s departing director had a strong impact on the national energy innovation ecosystem.

DOE Budget Justification Gone Awry

afearon — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The construction of the FY2013 DOE budget request poses major challenges.

Getting to Cost-Competitive Solar Energy

afearon — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Cost-competitive – without subsidies – solar energy will take a mix of innovation policies.

Crowded Spectrum

afearon — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Article in "The Salt Lake Tribune" misunderstands the spectrum crunch.

Italy Attempts to Move Beyond Boom and Bust

afearon — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent policy decisions by the Italian government are promising signs of energy innovation

We’ll All Float on OK!

afearon — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

U.S.-UK collaboration on floating wind turbine technology development has great promise.

Senate Appropriations Bill for Energy and Water FY2013 Finds Approval

afearon — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Compared to other budget proposals, the Senate bill provides significant support for clean energy innovation priorities, leaving clean tech advocates thinking it could be worse.

Lithium-Air Battery R&D Moves Forward

afearon — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The work of IBM and others highlights promising progress on key clean technology.

Stick to the Mail: Postal Reform Means Radical Cost Cutting, Not “Product Innovation”

afearon — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Saving the postal service doesn't mean USPS providing email, it means radical cost cutting, like 3-day a week delivery.

Spectrum News That’s Fit to Print and More

afearon — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

An article that appeared on the day of the House hearing on spectrum distorted the discussion.

Potential Impacts of ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ on Clean Energy Innovation

afearon — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

There is a risk of serious limitations being put on clean energy with recent legislation.

Moving from ‘Boom and Bust’ to ‘Reform and Innovation’

afearon — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Examining the current climate for clean tech and why it's not enough.

Greenpeace Misses the Forest for the Trees

afearon — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A new Greenpeace report overlooks key clean energy issues.

Navy Investments in Biofuels Make Sense

afearon — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Navy biofuel investments can increase military capability and drive energy innovation.

Create a Virtual Panopticon to Cut Wasteful Government Spending

afearon — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

With technology we may be able to increase transparency and ensure that federal funds are used appropriately.

Why is This so Complicated? Yes, Virginia. We do Need a National Manufacturing Strategy.

afearon — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Why are so many still convinced a national manufacturing strategy is not important to U.S. competitiveness?

Energy Innovation is Not a Partisan Issue

afearon — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Ohio Governor John Kasich’s recent comments help illustrate a key ITIF point.

What Should America Do About China?

afearon — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The time is right for the U.S. to get tough and support the expansion of rules-based trade.

What Should the U.S. Do About Chinese Solar?

afearon — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Cheap Chinese solar exports post more than just a competitiveness problem for the United States, as China’s green mercantilist policies pose a significant barrier to clean energy innovation.

Byte Counting, Part Two

afearon — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The debate on Comcast/Xbox heads in an unproductive direction.

Lessons from Foreign Countries on How U.S. States Can Spur Manufacturing

afearon — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. can learn from other countries to make manufacturing more competitive.

Apostles of Decline Denial: America Cannot be in Decline Because we Haven’t Declined Before

afearon — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Americans need to face the reality of decline if we do not increase our global competitiveness.

The 700 MHz Device Subsidy Plan

afearon — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

How will the FCC mandate affect the roll-out of 5G and 6G services?

Manufacturing is Innovative Too!

afearon — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Why U.S. manufacturing is important for global competitiveness, the economy, and innovation.

Revitalizing U.S. Manufacturing

afearon — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Overview of the comprehensive strategy for revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.

Ending the Piracy Subsidy

afearon — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. must resolve to stopping rampant innovation mercantilism in several sectors.

U.S.-China CERC Provides Hope for Future Collaboration

afearon — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

CERC is an indication China and the U.S. can move to a positive clean energy relationship.

A Solution in Search of a Problem

afearon — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

An examination of the manufactured controversy over Xbox 360.

The FTC Report on Consumer Privacy Misses the Mark

afearon — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The new FTC report on consumer privacy is a comprehensive discussion but sides with privacy advocates at the expense of innovation.

Denmark Strides Towards Independence from Fossil Fuels

afearon — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Energy innovation plays an outsize role in Denmark’s goal to be completely powered by renewable energy by 2050.

April Fool: U.S. to Have Highest Statutory Corporate Tax Rate

afearon — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

To remain competitive, the U.S. needs to cut its corporate tax rate as many nations have already done.

My Free Unauthorized Use, Trespass, Conversion and Misappropriation Summer Vacation: Don’t Worry It’s Not Stealing

afearon — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We should not be blase about copyright infringement, if we can steal that, why not consider taking other non-tangibles.

DNS Integrity in the Real World

afearon — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

An episode with DNS Changing botnet exposes the flaws in recent tech policy debates.

Rebuild America Act Advances Range of Critical Policies to Revitalize U.S. Manufacturing

afearon — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Overall, the Rebuild America Act proposes action to restore American manufacturing and assist with job creation.

Freeing Federal Spectrum

afearon — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Civilian agencies are generally working in the right spirit toward the national goal on spectrum rights.

Fears of Economy-Wide Labor Shortages Are Completely Groundless

afearon — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

When looked at from an innovation economics perspective, it is clear that a worker shortage is not only not likely it’s simply impossible.

Proposed Privacy Law for Employers Using Facebook a Step in the Right Direction

afearon — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Policymakers should pursue policies that give consumer’s clear protection without imposing unnecessary costs or restrictions on the Internet economy.

A Story About Energy Innovation Policy: Envia Systems

afearon — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent study of Envia makes a compelling case study on how to make clean energy cheap and globally viable.

Spectrum Policy Collides with Competition Policy

afearon — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Senate Subcommittee hearing on Verizon raises the issues present in spectrum policy.

The Startup Act Has Promising Implications for Clean Energy Innovation

afearon — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Bipartisan legislation provisions on high-skill immigration reform and research commercialization assistance have merit.

How the Government Built Silicon Valley

afearon — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The idea that all we need is a few hearty innovators with a few wealthy philanthropists supporting their work is not a recipe for progress.

FCC Recognizes the Importance of Receivers

afearon — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Recent FCC workshops are recognizing the important role of receivers.

Boosting Exports, Jobs, and Economic Growth Through the ITA

afearon — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Expanding the ITA would be greatly beneficial to the U.S. in terms of economic and export expansion.

Need Energy Innovation Strategy, Not just Deployment

afearon — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We need to reallocate and reorient our limited energy policy investments, not just add more of the same.

A Note to Joe Romm and Tom Friedman

afearon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Energy policy should reflect need for aggressive RD&D investments to drive clean technology cost reductions not reliant on government subsidies or mandates.

Confronting the Gordian Knot

afearon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Restrictive regulations have negatvie effects on applied plant science and major R&D facilities of European agrochemical companies.

True Innovation Alive and Well in the Clean Energy Space

afearon — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

ARPA-E carries the innovation mantle of Bell Labs in the clean energy space.

Tracking Public Clean Energy Innovation Investments: DOI’s New Energy Frontier

afearon — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

DOI has significant potential to be a major source of support for the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Natural Gas is a Climate Non-Starter, Still an Energy Innovation Policy Model

afearon — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Summary and review of the recent study by Caldeira and Myhrvold exposes the realities of natural gas in our current climate situation.

Myhrvold: We Need to Invent New Energy Technologies

afearon — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Like ITIF has stressed, Myhrvold’s new study concludes it’s going to be a difficult task to reduce global temperatures from the fossil-fuel driven trajectory it’s on now.

The Google Doomsday Sayer Charlatans

afearon — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Privacy advocates are panicking over the latest Google reports when there is no evidence to support this claim.

My New Book Title: “Eh, the Future Will Be Okay”

afearon — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Reflections on the real state of the global innovation race.

Refuting David Frum

afearon — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

David Frum disregards the potential of clean energy innovation.

Relieving the LTE Spectrum Crunch

afearon — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It’s unacceptable for the FCC to allow 122 spectrum licenses to go to waste when U.S. cities are already spectrum-limited.

Taking Clean Energy to the Next Level

afearon — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

To take the clean economy to the next level, we need our policy focus to be on innovation.

Latest Privacy Kerfuffle Shows Limits of Proposed Privacy Legislation

afearon — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Debate over use of third-party cookies shows limits of proposed privacy legislation.

Enough with the Politeness: China’s “Innovation Mercantilism” Threatens the World Economy, and Washington Needs to Speak Up

afearon — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

U.S. needs to take more action domestically and internationally to contain Chinese trade practices that could harm the global trading system.

Clean Energy Innovation Policy in Congress: The Smart Energy Act of 2012

afearon — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The next ten and half months hold little promise of Congress producing a coherent national clean energy strategy.

First Look: Energy Innovation Investments in President's FY2013 Budget Request

afearon — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The FY2013 proposal would increase top-line investments in key DOE energy innovation-related offices.

Our Manufacturers Need a U.S. Competitiveness Strategy, Not Special Treatment

afearon — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF takes on Christina Romer’s argument the United States does not need a national manufacturing strategy.

Manufacturing Policy is NOT “Industrial Policy”

afearon — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If we’ve come this far (or low) that a policy to help ALL manufacturers is industrial policy, then essentially neoclassical economists are saying that all policies need to be completely neutral between industries.

Google’s Privacy Dilemma: Damned If They Do; Damned They Don’t

afearon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Privacy advocates continue to inflate criticism as Google changes its privacy settings.

Good Speech, Good Ideas, Yet More Needed…

afearon — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF affirmed it praise for the President's focus on competitiveness but makes the case for more robust R&D, tax, trade and energy.

Note to Tom Friedman: Technology Creates, Not Destroys, Jobs

afearon — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It's time for many to stop circulating the myth technology will destroy jobs. Technology actually has the opposite effect on productivity and job growth.

The Globalist Debate: A Weaker Dollar Can Help the U.S. Economy

afearon — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A weaker dollar could help U.S. manufacturers become more competitive and keep jobs at home.

There Be Pirates In These Clouds!

afearon — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Legitimate third-party file hosting services should create industry-wide best practices to clean up the cyberlocker industry.

Let the Ex-Im Bank Do its Job Supporting U.S. Exporters

afearon — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A recent court case and inaction by Congress are putting the U.S. Export-Import Bank in peril just as the U.S. should be looking to enhance competitiveness.

IT is the Foundation for Better Building

afearon — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

IT can help the U.S. construction industry implement better design and revolutionize the process to stay globally competitive.

What Role Should the States Play in Boosting the Clean Economy?

afearon — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A new report on state of clean energy investment funds highlights an under-reported, but potentially important clean energy policy tool.

Piracy and Malware: Two Parts of a Single Problem

afearon — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Legislation aimed at rogue foreign sites, while not a complete solution, does at least recognize that IP and malware are connected and the cost of IP-related crime to the U.S. economy and the security of consumers warrants action.

Magical Manufacturing Thinking: Manufacturing NOT the Bright Spot in the U.S. Economy

afearon — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If America wants a manufacturing rebound, it can’t just hope, wish and pray. It has to act.

Protecting Americans from Web Scams

afearon — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

SOPA critics charge that DNS filtering breaks the Internet, but it does no such thing as long as it’s done sensibly.

Refusing to Answer for Policy Reasons

afearon — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Despite problems with the first draft of SOPA, the Manager’s Amendment ensures that the bill doesn’t conflict with Secure DNS.

2012 Federal Budget: Omnibus Halts Further Cuts to Energy Innovation Investments

afearon — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Recent FY2012 budget deal stabilizes or boosts funding for key office that house energy innovation projects.

DNS Filtering is an American Innovation

afearon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Is the DNS blacklisting mechanism in PIPA/SOPA bills contrary the spirit of the Internet and American innovation?

Better Ways to Protect Consumer Privacy Than "Do Not Track"

afearon — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"Do Not Track" would disrupt the successful business model which underpins the Internet's success.

Antiquated Economic Policies Are Killing Jobs More Than Robots Are

afearon — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Technology and machines are the solution, not the cause of our stubbornly-high unemployment rate.

Let’s Shelve the Drivel: Boosting Energy Innovation to Reduce America’s Three Deficits

afearon — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Robert Solow calls for policymakers to focus on energy innovation.

Live Different: Susan Crawford's Broadband Blinkers

afearon — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Mobile broadband enables new forms of network interaction that are boons to shopping, medicine, and education.

An Endowment for Public Safety Networking

afearon — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Latest spectrum bill reverses old consensus auctioning D Block spectrum to fund nation-wide mobile broadband services for public safety.

Oops, Never Mind: BCG Gets it Wrong on U.S. Manufacturing and China

afearon — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

BCG’s recent report painting a sanguine view of the state of American manufacturing fails to get the facts right.

AGREE Act Aptly Named but More Bipartisan Accord Needed on Innovation

afearon — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The AGREE Act provides practical bipartisan actions to encourage innovation.

Salvaging Durban with Innovation

afearon — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The only way the world is going to drastically reduce carbon emissions is through innovation.

DOD Steps Up Innovation in Installation Energy, Recognizes Limits in Biofuels

afearon — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

A brief update on energy innovation activities within the Department of Defense.

To Deploy or Not to Deploy?

afearon — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Rather than debating clean energy innovation versus deployment, we should be finding ways that deployment can serve innovation.

Technological Breakthroughs the Key to Our Future Prosperity

afearon — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

If the next generation of Australians is to enjoy a better life than their parents, Australia needs to push for more technology and innovation, not less.

Innovation Deficit Disorder: A Diagnosis For a Sick Economy

afearon — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Too many policy elites have urged us not to fret, arguing the United States is still strong in "innovation." But manufacturing and innovation are linked.

Taking on the Three Deficits

afearon — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Matthew Stepp discusses how policymakers can reframe the budget debate and address all three deficits through targeted investments and spending cuts.

Playing Politics with the Internet

afearon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The Internet Society is needlessly politicizing the Internet in order to achieve policy goals. This is a dangerous game.

America Must Learn from Germany - Before It’s Too Late

afearon — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson, writing for CNN's Global Public Square, emphasizes adopting strategies and policies that have worked for Germany to U.S. culture and economy.

Good Spectrum Lying Dormant

afearon — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The FCC should be more concerned with modernization and promoting wireless innovation.

Stick to the Middle East Tom

afearon — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

There are lots of jobs we can get back from China if they stopped manipulating their currency.

A Word from the Wise is Sufficient

afearon — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

America’s most promising young scientists are testament to the crucial role of government R&D funding.

Review: "That Used to Be Us" by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum

afearon — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson argues new best seller suffers from an inaccurate diagnosis and insufficient cure.

On Making Innovation the Default Energy and Climate Policy Choice

afearon — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The national energy and climate policy debate needs to adopt innovation as the default energy and climate policy.

Thomas Friedman’s Quasi-Market Fundamentalism

afearon — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Thomas Friedman’s ongoing love of carbon prices leaves him with an innovation blind spot.

Policymakers’ Vision Must Be as Big as the Potential of Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers

afearon — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Reflections on the need to revitalize U.S. manufacturing with a coherent national strategy.

Energy Innovation: If You Don’t Occasionally Fail, You’re Doing It Wrong

afearon — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The bankruptcy of solar firm Solyndra offers an important lesson about failure in innovation.

What the President’s Jobs Speech Should Say Tonight (Hint: Restore U.S. Competitiveness)

afearon — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Restoring robust job growth will require Washington to recognize there is a competitiveness crisis and act accordingly.

A Healthy Dose of Skepticism on NY’s Pharmacy Bill

afearon — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Legislation pending in New York is designed to protect brick-and-mortar pharmacies at the expense of higher health care costs for consumers.

Green Scissors 2011: A Misguided Proposal for Budget and Environmental Reform

afearon — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A fundamentally misguided strategy for confronting America’s budgetary and environmental challenges.

Should Multinationals Have to Report Jobs in the U.S.?

afearon — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Antipathy toward multinationals ignores their vital role in our economy.

The Main Engineering Problems Used to Be Engineering

afearon — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 will continue to be used by activists to derail innovation in agriculture.

Averting the Coming Clean Energy Cliff

afearon — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Why the green economy is headed for a crisis and an energy innovation approach is absolutely necessary.

Look Beyond the U.S. Market

afearon — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF argues for trade-focused policies to boost domestic competitiveness in the clean economy.

"Breakthrough" Mini-Dialogue

lstewart — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

American voters deserve a share of the blame for our budget and debt woes.

Bill to Ban Sale of Alcohol through Self-Service Checkout Terminals Cloaked in Falsehood

afearon — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

California's proposed ban on self-service checkouts will impede innovation not underage drinking.

Measuring American Broadband

lstewart — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A new report from the FCC shows that American broadband users are getting what they pay for.

Australia’s New Energy Regime

lstewart — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A look at Australia’s new climate change package, which includes a carbon price and clear investment in innovation.

Drilling Revenues: A Funding Stream for Energy Innovation?

lstewart — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In a time of austerity, drilling revenues could offer a supplementary source of clean energy innovation.

Why We Need a National Manufacturing Technology Strategy

lstewart — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The nation's economic health depends on a federal plan to support the revival of advanced manufacturing.

What’s Holding Netflix Back?

lstewart — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Bandwidth consumption limits lead to fair and equitable sharing of broadband networks and should be endorsed by network regulators.

Clean Energy Innovation Policy in Congress: The Battery Innovation Act of 2011

lstewart — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The Battery Innovation Act of 2011 offers a cohesive and comprehensive approach to battery innovation and clean energy policy.

PCAST’s Report a Good Start, but Misunderstands Industrial vs. Innovation Policy

lstewart — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

PCAST’s June 2011 Advanced Manufacturing Report mischaracterizes industrial policy as compared to innovation policy.

"Unnatural" Corn/Canola Oil – Dispatches from Behind the Looking Glass…

lstewart — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A recent class action lawsuit against ConAgra for selling biotech derived corn and canola oil as "natural" is not based on scientific fact.

Dropping the Ball on Energy Innovation: ARPA-E and the 2012 Budget

lstewart — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Lack of support for central energy innovation programs in the 2012 budget will harm economic growth and reduce our ability to curb carbon emissions.

Import Money – Export Goods

lstewart — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Job growth could be created with a tax holiday to bring back overseas profits, a manufacturing strategy, and overcoming false hope in the strong dollar.

Parsing Google’s Energy Innovation Report

lstewart — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A new report on energy innovation from Google spotlights the upside of clean energy—so long as we get both the technology and the policy right.

Lightning in the Cloud: How IT-Based Innovation Will Enable the Smart Grid

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In a Microsoft blog, Rob Atkinson outlines the central components of the next-generation smart grid.

Strategies to Reduce Barriers to the Free Flow of Information Online

lstewart — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. should work to improve the global free flow of information by reducing barriers, protecting content and improving trust online.

DOD Puts the Focus on Operational Energy

lstewart — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The Department of Defense recently unveiled their long-term strategy for efficiency and alternatives in operational energy.

Technology and Automation Create, Not Destroy, Jobs

lstewart — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The productivity gains that technology and automation generate ultimately create jobs.

Innovation in Energy Technology: Ensuring a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Matthew Stepp offers energy innovation perspectives on a Europe-based online forum on environmental policy issues.

No Longer A Nameless Face In the Crowd

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Daniel Castro discusses the implications of Facebook's Tag Suggestions feature, that automates photo tagging using facial recognition.

Consolidating the Multitude of Reports Calling for Boosting U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF consolidates manufacturing reports for easy access by policymakers, executives, and the public.

Draft House Appropriations Bill Continues Efforts to Gut Energy Innovation, Leaves Fossil Energy Intact

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The House Energy and Water Appropriations Bill predictably seeks hefty cuts to the nation’s innovative capacity in clean energy.

Let's Get the Trans-Pacific Partnership Right

Thu, 26 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In his Huffington Post blog, Rob Atkinson says the TPP is a chance to stem unfair and illegal trade practices.

Public-Private Clean Energy Innovation at Work: The Massachusetts Wind Technology Testing Center

Wed, 25 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

There’s much more to clean energy technology commercialization than subsidies for production.

Devotees and Detractors: What’s Wrong With the China Innovation Debate

Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The U.S. response to Chinese innovation policy will shape U.S. economic prospects for decades to come.

Against the Current

Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A response to the debate on whether or not states should mandate labeling for genetically modified foods.

The Growing Demand for Spectrum

Sat, 14 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

It is not realistic to believe that the demands for increased data capacity can be met without allocating the additional spectrum recommended by the National Broadband Plan.

Public Sector Clean Energy Innovation at Work: High Efficiency Solar Energy

Wed, 11 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Through a DOE funded program, university and industry researchers developed innovative photovoltaic technology that is making solar energy cheaper.

How To Get the E-Government Wrong: The TSA Case

lstewart — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Too many government websites remain user-unfriendly and poorly maintained.

Greenpeace's Misdiagnosis

lstewart — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Greenpeace’s recent report criticizing data center energy choices suffers from a fundamental error in logic.

All About the Fundamentals: Three Misconceptions of the Heritage Foundation's Deficit/Energy Proposal

lstewart — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

A response to the Heritage Foundation's proposal to dismantle the Department of Energy.

Do Not Track for Doctors vs. Do Not Track for Consumers

lstewart — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:00:00 +0000

How does the recent Supreme Court case on medical privacy relate to the online privacy debate?

Esty and Porter's Call for a Carbon Tax Misses Badly

lstewart — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Daniel Esty and Michael Porter wildly overstate the innovative effectiveness of a carbon tax in "The New York Times."

Will Yesterday’s Announcement Satisfy the Radical Fringe?

lstewart — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Extremists rarely let facts and reason interfere with their beliefs. Even with new evidence, doubters will continue to make outrageous claims that distract from serious answers to real challenges.

An Anti-Innovation Strategy: The Heritage Foundation's Deficit Reduction and Energy Proposal

lstewart — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The proposal includes numerous inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

Takeaways from Apple’s Location Data Privacy Incident

lstewart — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Distortions and overreactions obscure key facts about the privacy of mobile location data in the latest incident with Apple.

ARPA-E’s (Semi) New Lease on Life

lstewart — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

ARPA-E has received a limited reprieve from its budget woes, but even that will likely be temporary.

Calls to Boost U.S. Manufacturing Do Not Ignore the Gains Still to Be Made from Services

lstewart — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The contention that calls to boost manufacturing ignore the gains still to be made from services is flat wrong. The United States needs both.

Public Sector Clean Energy Innovation at Work: Thin-Film Solar

lstewart — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Public sector energy investment leads to breakthrough in solar technology and boost to the economy.

DOE Gearing Up for Quadrennial Technology Review

lstewart — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The Department of Energy is moving forward with an overarching review that could lead to greater coherence and coordination in clean energy innovation policy.

Financing Innovation with a Carbon Tax

lstewart — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

An argument for a carbon tax that would recycle revenue back into the pro-growth and pro-innovation activities.

Three Energy Assumptions the FY2012 Budget Resolution Gets Wrong

lstewart — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In calling for deep cuts to energy innovation, the proposed FY 2012 budget resolution misses what makes smart investment.

UnCommon Sense about Corporate Taxes

lstewart — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

We need a rational debate on how to design tax policies to spur innovation, global competitiveness and growth.

Induced Innovation and Carbon Pricing

lstewart — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Most analysts who see the carbon price as a be-all, end-all climate and energy solution are dramatically overstating the ability of market signals to draw forth major innovations.

Spectrum: The Capital that Drives Wireless Competition

lstewart — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The proposed merger of AT&T with T-Mobile highlights the fact that continued mobile competition depends on the release of more spectrum.

33 Bits of Nonsense

lstewart — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

The use of anonymous data sets is useful for both research and business and an integral part of our information economy.

How Global Foreign Aid Supports China’s Clean Tech Mercantilism

lstewart — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

While developed countries and global institutions provide China billions in foreign aid, China refuses to open its markets to foreign clean energy products.

When a Fish is More Than a Fish

lstewart — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Biotechnology has the potential to drastically reduce food prices. But opponents rely on ideology, not science, to restrict agriculture innovation.

The Anti-Choice Privacy Fundamentalists

lstewart — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

For some privacy advocates “opt-in” is not enough. They do not want to give users choice; they want to make the choice for users.

AT&T Embraces Internet TV

lstewart — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

AT&T’s broadband usage cap will not stifle the rise of Internet TV.

Nuclear Crisis in Japan: A Time for Discussion Not Knee-Jerk Reaction

lstewart — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In response the nuclear crisis in Japan, U.S. policymakers should take a forward looking, long-view approach to nuclear energy.

A Roadmap for America's Energy Future? Hardly

lstewart — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

A new proposal in the House is advertised as a “comprehensive" energy plan, but would really just drive fossil fuel use with little investment in energy innovation.

Fat Pipe Dreams in North Carolina.

lstewart — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The fight over public broadband in North Carolina reveals the need for public-private collaboration to bring first-class Internet service to rural areas.

A Chinese Restaurant Menu Instead of Bumper Stickers

lstewart — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Liberals and conservatives both have good ideas that need to be put into action to restore U.S. competitiveness.

The Nuclear Energy Game Changer?

lstewart — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The NRC Regulatory Information Conference showcases widespread public and private support for developing next generation small modular reactors. Congress lags behind.

Time to Fix Higher Ed

lstewart — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

A new book provides further evidence that American colleges are failing to adequately educate their students.

And the Winner Is...

lstewart — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

USTR's "Out-Of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets" highlights hot spots for trafficking in copyright infringing goods. The government should hold countries on this list accountable.

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Notes from the ARPA-E Summit

lstewart — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Reflections and reactions from the 2011 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.

Innovation Union Shows Europe Has Gotten Message about Innovation-Based Economic Growth

lstewart — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The European Commission’s Director-General of Research and Innovation places innovation as the focal point of EU economic growth.

Scientific American's Too Simple Solution to Internet Regulation

lstewart — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"Scientific American" proposes counter-productive Internet regulations. ITIF provides a better solution.

The Corporate Tax Simplification Delusion

lstewart — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Washington’s dogged faith in tax code simplicity will trump efforts to reshape the code as a driver of innovation and U.S. competitiveness.

President’s 2012 Budget Proposal: White House Plots Right Course for Clean Energy Innovation

lstewart — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The President’s 2012 budget proposal would make clean energy innovation a higher national priority.

Time for Washington to Think Like a State

lstewart — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The Administration’s corporate tax reform proposals would make our competitiveness worse. Instead, Washington should take a page out of the states’ economic playbooks.

What is Right and Wrong With the President’s Innovation Agenda

lstewart — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Never before has a President made such a forceful statement in support of U.S. innovation policy. Yet his agenda can and should be bolder.

Reforming the Universal Service Fund

lstewart — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF explains the benefits of Universal Service Fund and Inter-Carrier Compensation reform.

Create a Data Policy Office Not a Privacy Policy Office

lstewart — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The Commerce Department should champion pro-innovation information policies, rather than narrowly focus on consumer privacy at the expense of other goals.

Online Piracy Remains Intractable Without Government Action

lstewart — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

One out of four bits on the Internet is infringing content. How much bigger will piracy need to get before policymakers realize this is a problem?

Cover Your Bits, It’s Data Privacy Day!

lstewart — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Data Privacy Day provides a chance to reflect on the benefits of sharing data.

President Obama, Leader of the Clean Energy Innovation Movement?

lstewart — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The State of the Union signals a shift in the debate on energy to a more concerted White House effort in this area.

Krugman Flat Wrong that Competitiveness is a Myth

lstewart — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Stephen Ezell takes on Paul Krugman’s contention that only companies compete and that nations aren’t in economic competition with one another.

China’s Reverse Robin Hood: Stealing Intellectual Property from the Poor

lstewart — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Research Fellow Scott Andes reports from Ghana on how China's intellectual property theft hurts the poor.

No, COICA Will Not Break the Internet

lstewart — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

A rebuttal to the claim that COICA represents a threat to the technical integrity of the Internet.

Crowdsource Regulatory Reform

lstewart — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF recommends that the Obama administration modernize Regulations.gov to better collect public input on regulations that impede economic growth and innovation.

Death to Nuance!

lstewart — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Fellow Richard Bennett examines a former Obama Administration staffer's claims about the National Broadband Plan and finds them misleading.

Has the FCC Created a Stone Too Heavy for It to Lift?

lstewart — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The reasoning in the FCC’s Open Internet order casts doubt on the agency’s ability to apply the new rules without outside technical help.

A Baby/Bathwater Kind of Thing

lstewart — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Washington Post gadget blogger Rob Pegoraro finds fault with video phones but rejects the means to make them work better.

House Votes on America COMPETES Act

lstewart — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Stephen Ezell anticipates the vote on the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act in the House of Representatives.

Thoughts on the Commerce Report on Privacy

lstewart — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Daniel Castro discusses the principal recommendations and themes of the Department of Commerce report on privacy.

Court Rules Users Have Expectation of Privacy in the Cloud

lstewart — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Daniel Castro reviews a ruling that provisions of the Stored Communications Act allowing law enforcement access to email without a warrant are unconstitutional.

Energy Innovation 2010: Moving the Conversation Forward

lstewart — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Hundreds of leading thinkers, scientists, public officials, and innovators gathered in Washington, D.C., to initiate a conversation on a new policy paradigm.

The New Energy Conversation

lstewart — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

America is built around innovation. Everywhere that is, except in energy. It’s time to change that.

The Road to Clean Energy Leadership: Baby Steps or Bold Leaps

lstewart — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

A new analysis of where clean energy technologies are being invented provides a "gut check" of where the U.S. ranks and what other countries are doing to leapfrog forward.

How Innovation Plays Second Fiddle

lstewart — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson argues that it's not too late for the United States to resurrect its industrial capabilities.

China's Mobile Payments Market Expected to Become World's Largest by 2013

lstewart — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

As the contactless mobile payments market in China begins to rev up, the United States increasingly risks being passed by.

Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself: The U.S. Needs a Comprehensive Long Term National Energy Plan

lstewart — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The thoughtful and spirited debate between ITIF Clean Energy Analyst Matthew Stepp and the Coalition for Green Capital continues.

Why Some States are “New Economy” States

lstewart — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Research Fellow Scott Andes defines the features of the "New Economy" states.

Berners-Lee, Jacobson, and the FCC

lstewart — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

It is not the time to be solidifying regulations that prevent change in the way the Internet is used and operated.

President Obama’s Accelerated Depreciation Proposal Will Boost Economic Growth

lstewart — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Stop listening to neo-classical economic ideologues, argues Rob Atkinson. Accelerated depreciation is a pro-business, pro-productivity, pro-growth idea that works.

UN Climate Negotiations and the Race to the Top (of the Clean Energy Heap)

lstewart — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

As climate advocates hope that UN climate negotiators in Cancun can avoid a "race to the bottom," they should also remember the "race to the top."

The Energy Independence Trust: Where’s the Innovation Beef?

lstewart — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF stresses the importance of green innovation in a critique of a new proposal from the Coalition for Green Capital.

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Issues 2010 Annual Report

lstewart — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission issued its 2010 Annual Report, a scathing indictment of China’s mercantilist economic growth strategy.

FAA Should Re-Evaluate In-Flight Restrictions on E-Book Readers

lstewart — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Policy Analyst Daniel Castro argues it is time for the FAA to revisit its in-flight restrictions on the use of e-book readers and other portable electronic devices.

Time for “Repatriation Easing”

lstewart — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Atkinson argues that policies promoting overseas funds repatriation are needed more than ever.

Lessons From the New NSF Innovation Survey

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

New survey on innovation reveals significant innovation gap between industries.

Ending Innovation Mercantilism

lstewart — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Too many countries are bending and breaking the rules, playing zero sum games, and thinking only about short term gains for themselves.

Internet Wars: A Who’s Who Guide

lstewart — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF’s look at the Internet political landscape can enlighten the debate.

ARPA-E: The Little Program That Could

lstewart — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, created to spur technological innovation, is about to be given the bureaucratic equivalent of a death sentence.

Is America Really #1 in Innovation?

lstewart — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

According to ITIF’s analysis of global competitiveness and innovation, the United States is lagging in many key criteria.

The Economist's Strange Attack on Industrial Policy

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.

Spur Job Growth By Making Business Registration Easier

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

The Small Business Administration should redesign Business.gov and undertake a strategic design review of the federal and state small business registration process.

How Can We Boost Productivity?

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

Washington policy makers devote too little attention to boosting productivity

Viewpoints: Bill Would Shield Unions, Not Children

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

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

The US Senate Dives Into Privacy Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

The Failure of American Higher Education

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

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

Debunking the Myths of Global Climate Change

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

Much of what passes for conventional wisdom on climate change is in fact either wrong or significantly exaggerated.

Internet Regulatory Reform Proceeds Apace, Quietly

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.

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.

Move the Broadband Policy Debate to Congress

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

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

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

Facebook Is Not the Enemy

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Facebook is making the Internet better, not worse. Regulators should not get in its way.

FCC Goes Too Far (Once Again)

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF comments on FCC's Internet regulatory proposal.

America's Green Innovation Problem

Wed, 05 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Government officials need to pay attention so the U.S. does not miss out on the economic opportunities in this critical new sector.

Progress Report: Revisiting “Rules of the Road” for a New Economy

Wed, 05 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

In the inaugural ITIF blog for PPI, Rob Atkinson looks back at a piece he put together 11 years ago on how to make the most of the new economy. He finds mixed results.

For Once and for All, Let's Agree the Government Can and Should Pick Winners

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The Washington Consensus believes government should not pick winners. The Washington Consensus is wrong.

Exploring Obama's Open Government

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

ITIF Senior Analyst Daniel Castro evaluates President Obama's Open Government initiative.

Shooting the Messenger

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

In his "Huffington Post" column, ITIF President Rob Atkinson argues that the cheap theatrics surrounding the net neutrality debate stifle any chance of an intellectual exchange on the topic.

Dot-com Turns 25: Commercial Blockbuster Just Gets Started

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Twenty-five years ago the first dot-com was created. Today there are over 80 million dot-coms, creating $10 trillion in economic activity globally.

Another 25 Years of Dot-com

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

As the dot-com celebrates its 25th anniversary, Rob Atkinson looks forward to the next 25 years of the commercial Internet

Innovation Economics Can Fight Global Warming

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Going beyond carbon emissions caps, innovation economists are calling for bold public-private partnerships to spur energy research

America Risks Missing Out in Clean Technology

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

In this "BusinessWeek" blog Rob Atkinson describes the mounting global competition for renewable energy.

TSA to Terrorists: I’ll show you mine if…

dcastro — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The debate over whole-body imaging for airport screening should focus on the merits of the technology, rather than privacy fears based on speculation and worst-case scenarios.

New Year's Resolution: Stop Stealing to Save American Jobs

dcastro — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Piracy hurts the economy. Stopping piracy is important for creating American jobs.

Certifications Are Not a Panacea for Cybersecurity Woes

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

An op-ed in Federal Computer Weekly discussing the problems with relying on professional certification to improve the security outlook of government agencies.

Are the FCC Workshops Fair?

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Richard Bennett explains how some complaints about the National Broadband Plan process amount to "working the refs."

EU's Broadband Claims Don't Hold Up

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

While several countries in Europe have higher broadband penetration than the United States, recent claims by the European Commission that the EU leads the world in broadband are unsubstantiated

Another Net Neutrality Meltdown

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Richard Bennett discusses the false net neutrality crisis triggered by reactions to an inadvertent Denial of Service Attack caused by 4chan.org.

Benchmarking Foreign Innovation Policies

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Many forward-thinking countries have made innovation-led economic development a centerpiece of their national economic strategies during the past decade. While many nations have taken the innovation challenge to heart and put in place a host of policies to spur innovation, the United States has done little, consequently falling behind in innovation policies and risking falling behind in innovation performance as well. This article compares U.S. innovation policy to that of other leading industrialized countries across five topic areas: programs to establish civilian technology and innovation promotion agencies; services innovation initiatives; national levels of R&D funding; tax incentives for research and development; and policies regarding high-skill immigration.

Disconnected Condemnation

dcastro — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Pro-taxes or pro-Internet?

dcastro — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0000

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rob Atkinson (ITIF), and James Gattuso (Heritage Foundation) argue for the need to make permanent the ban on Internet access taxes in "The Hill."