Economists have long recognized that technological innovation and enhanced communication increase productivity and reduce friction in economic activity. And never before has technology’s impact on economic growth been as evident as it is today.
At IPI, we focus on technology and communications policy not only because it’s critical to economic growth, but also because government’s inherent tendency to regulate prospectively poses an active threat to the economic gains and lifestyle enhancements made possible by technological innovation.
The communications and technology industries are among the country’s most competitive and the biggest capital investors in the U.S. economy, and are thus prime engines of economic growth and job creation. It is critical that public policy encourages continued innovation and investment in the tech sector, and that we don’t limit the innovation upside with counterproductive taxes and regulations.
The Fight Is Just Beginning for International Control of the Internet
The U.S. will need to hang tough in the global debate about who controls the Internet, stay committed to its fundamental principles, and perhaps convince the members of the ITU that only a unanimous vote will change the rules so that a block of repressive regimes cannot force a change. If not the only option may be a disconnecting from the global Internet.
Antitrust Troubling in an Innovation Economy
Just as competitors lobbied to have the government restrict Microsoft in the 1990s others are now lobbying to harm Google by trying to convince the iron hand of government to squeeze the company and limit its competitive abilities.
Coalition Letter Regarding Internet Radio Fairness Act of 2012
Believers in free markets seek to reduce, rather than increase, the government’s role in markets and price-setting whenever possible. Accordingly, we respectfully write to express our grave concerns about H.R. 6480, the misnamed “Internet Radio Fairness Act of 2012.”
Tech Issue Voting
Let’s start to put “tech” issues front and center in our national policy debates.
Government Far Greater Threat to Privacy Than Private Sector, Warns New IPI Publication
Privacy advocates and concerned citizens should be far more concerned about governments as potential abusers of privacy than the private sector because of government's unique powers, says a new IPI publication by Jim Harper.
Tax and Loot Policies
Governor Haslam of Tennessee was “surprised” to hear he had a failing fiscal grade and has argued that his tax increases were for the kids. When a politician uses kids as defense, grab your liberties and your wallet, as you are about to lose at least one. In this case, in the Main Street Fairness Act, politicians have found a way to take both.
Why Government is the Greater Threat to Privacy
While most of the debate about privacy has been focused on the private sector, because of government’s unique powers, the issue of privacy from government is much more critical. A bright line should separate our concerns about privacy from government and privacy in the private sector.
Tax and Loot Policies
Governor Haslam of Tennessee was “surprised” to hear he had a failing fiscal grade and has argued that his tax increases were for the kids. When a politician uses kids as defense, grab your liberties and your wallet, as you are about to lose at least one. In this case, in the Main Street Fairness Act, politicians have found a way to take both.
Who's the Best Candidate for the Tech Industry?
Heading into a presidential election, many technology policy observers and participants do their best to make a pitch for which candidate will be best for technology, software, hardware, Internet, services, consumer electronics and communications industries.
Who's the Best Candidate for the Technology Industry?
What is driving the tech boom is an entrepreneurial, can-do spirit, relentless innovation, and in many of the most dynamic areas, a light-touch regulatory approach, not the occupant of the White House.
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