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.
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.
Market Certainty Serves the Public Interest
Markets abhor uncertainty and regulatory uncertainty results in reduced investment, innovation, opportunity and benefit to consumers.
This Cop on the Beat Is No Officer Friendly!
The dynamic communications market needs a good cop, one who works with the community rather than an FCC which works against it.
Psychology of Abundant Government Meddling
Much has been said about FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s comment, including his seeming flip-flopping, that he is concerned about one innovative business model—data caps on broadband. He said, “We should all be concerned with anything that is incompatible with the psychology of abundance.” But what has not been said is that the chairman sets up an injudicious measuring stick—broadband abundance, whatever that means.
When the Referees Start Cheating
While the NFL replacement referees hav enot earned high praise, no one has accused them of cheating, of ignoring facts, to change the game as they see fit. But what happens when that occurs at the FCC?
Balancing Privacy and Security
One of this year's big debates is over cybersecurity legislation, and again government officials are determined to attack the problem by attacking privacy and replacing it with greater government control.
The Cybersecurity Debate: Liberty vs. Expanded Government Controls
The federal government is lobbying for expanded government power to ignore some guaranteed citizen's liberties saying that is the only means to provide greater security for the U.S.
Commissioner Pai on the Right (Speed) Track
New FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is on the right track calling for the FCC to speed up its reviews in order to reduce uncertainty and other hindrances to innovation. Ultimately, the FCC should adopt forbearance as its default position, stepping in to regulate only in cases of demonstrable harm.
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