Innovation Economics

New Book Argues Human Nature Caused the "Great Recession"

WASHINGTON (May 21, 2013) - The 2008 "Great Recession" was one of the largest economic crises in the history of modern capitalism, and numerous researchers and analysts have sought to determine the reasons for the downturn to ensure it never happens again.
In their new book Masters of Nothing: Human Nature, Big Finance, and the Fight for the Soul of Capitalism, Matthew Hancock and Nadhim Zahawi argue that a collective failure to understand human nature was one of the main causes of the crisis. The authors, who both serve as Conservative Members of Parliament in Great Britain, argue similar crises will happen again unless policymakers radically rethink their assumptions to accommodate the inevitable flaws and irrationality of individuals, banks, and the economy as a whole.
The Information Technology and Information Foundation (ITIF) will host a U.S. release event for Masters of Nothing from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28 at ITIF, 1101 K Street NW, Suite 610A. The event will feature a panel discussion with the authors and Joe Kennedy, former Chief Economist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will analyze the corporate and government policies, as well as the actions of organizations and individuals, that led to the collapse.
"Masters of Nothing provides an antidote to the neoclassical economic theories which led pre-crisis policy astray and continue to be inadequate in explaining the current global economic environment," notes Robert Atkinson, President of ITIF and moderator of the event. 
Matthew Hancock was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and currently serves as Britain's Minister of Skills. Nadhim Zahawi has also served in Parliament since 2010 and sits on the House of Commons' Business, Innovation and Skills Committee.
To learn more about the event or to register click here.

WASHINGTON (May 21, 2013) - The 2008 "Great Recession" was one of the largest economic crises in the history of modern capitalism, and numerous researchers and analysts have sought to determine the reasons for the downturn to ensure it never happens again.

In their new book Masters of Nothing: Human Nature, Big Finance, and the Fight for the Soul of Capitalism, Matthew Hancock and Nadhim Zahawi argue that a collective failure to understand human nature was one of the main causes of the crisis. The authors, who both serve as Conservative Members of Parliament in Great Britain, argue similar crises will happen again unless policymakers radically rethink their assumptions to accommodate the inevitable flaws and irrationality of individuals, banks, and the economy as a whole.

The Information Technology and Information Foundation (ITIF) will host a U.S. release event for Masters of Nothing from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28 at ITIF, 1101 K Street NW, Suite 610A. The event will feature a panel discussion with the authors and Joe Kennedy, former Chief Economist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will analyze the corporate and government policies, as well as the actions of organizations and individuals, that led to the collapse.

"Masters of Nothing provides an antidote to the neoclassical economic theories which led pre-crisis policy astray and continue to be inadequate in explaining the current global economic environment," notes Robert Atkinson, President of ITIF and moderator of the event. 

Matthew Hancock was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and currently serves as Britain's Minister of Skills. Nadhim Zahawi has also served in Parliament since 2010 and sits on the House of Commons' Business, Innovation and Skills Committee.

To learn more about the event or to register click here.

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The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity internationally, in Washington, and in the states. Recognizing the vital role of technology in ensuring prosperity, ITIF focuses on innovation, productivity, and digital economy issues. Learn more at www.itif.org.

Top 25: What Corporate America is Reading

The News & Observer
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/04/11/2818827/top-25-what-corporate-america.html
"Innovation Economics" named a top read for CEOs for March 2013.

Prospering Through Innovation Economics
April 16, 2013
| Reports
Robert D. Atkinson
READ ONLINE

Europe faces a quandary. The difficult fiscal straits most European nations face precludes “Keynesian” stimulus policies to spur demand. Yet austerity is a recipe for stagnation, even decline. But without austerity, budget deficits threaten the trust in financial institutions. ITIF president Rob Atkinson proposes five approaches to cope with this quandary and for Europe to maintain it's global competitiveness: embrace "innovation economics," embrace Schumpeter, embrace high productivity in all sectors, embrace work, and embrace an anti-mercantilist alliance with America. 

Innovation Economics: Growth and Living Standards in a Global Economy
April 3, 2013
| Presentations
Robert D. Atkinson

The Policy Network in London will host a lunchtime debate on Innovation Economics: Growth and Living Standards in a Global Economy featuring Rob Atkinson on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Register with the Policy Network.

Europe and America in the New Race for Global Advantage: Will Both Win?
March 26, 2013
| Presentations
Robert D. Atkinson

Over the last decade, both the European and U.S. economies have felt the impact of a new race for global innovation advantage, and the troubled state of both economies shows that neither has responded effectively to this challenge. Dr. Robert D. Atkinson, President of the Washington, DC-based ITIF, and author of Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Innovation Advantage will discuss how nations and the world are competing for innovation advantage, what the implications are for the U.S. and European economies, and what both regions must do to win the race and restore robust economic growth.

RSVP to sylvie.cach@univ-paris-est.fr. Learn more about this event.

Investing in Innovation for the Future: Science and Technology
March 21, 2013
| Presentations
Robert D. Atkinson

ITIF president Rob Atkinson will present on the issues related to science and technology, as well as investing in research and development for the future, in a special presentation from Innovation Economics hosted by the Chicago Council on Science and Technology.

Register now. 

Policy by “Sunday Drivers”
March 11, 2013
| Blogs & Op-eds
Robert D. Atkinson
READ ONLINE

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

Carpe Diem Nation

The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/opinion/brooks-carpe-diem-nation.html?smid=tw-share
Opinion Columnist David Brooks cites "Innovation Economics" in his piece on U.S. investment.

How Nations are Faring in the Competition for Innovation-based Economic Growth

January 16, 2013
American Friends of Policy Exchange hosted Stephen Ezell for a policy talk.

American Friends of Policy Exchange hosted Stephen Ezell, author of Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage. Stephen gave a presentation that focused on innovation policy, science and technology policy, international competitiveness, and trade, manufacturing, and services issues.

See video

Featured Speaker Rob Atkinson, Author, "Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage"
January 31, 2013
| Presentations
Robert D. Atkinson
DOWNLOAD PDF

Join us as Rob Atkinson, the author of the new book Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage (Yale University Press) and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, will present a pragmatic road map for how the United States can regain an innovation advantage in the global economy. In addition, Dr. Susan Cozzens of Georgia Tech will moderate a distinguished panel to discuss how to apply the ideas from Innovation Economics to Georgia.
 
Panelists:
Rob Atkinson
President, ITIF

Stephen Fleming 
Vice President & Executive Director, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Tech

Brian McGowan 
President/CEO, Invest Atlanta

Rep. Ron Stephens
Chair of Economic Development & Tourism, GA House of Representatives
 
Date/Time:
January, 31 2013
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
 
Location:
Centergy Building - Hodges Room
75 Fifth Street NW, Room 335
Atlanta, GA 30308
 
Register with TAG.