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 Last Mile of the Last Mile
Efforts to close the distance on the last mile of broadband now come down to arcane considerations like utility pole attachment. The FCC should clarify how pole replacement or upgrade costs should be fairly allocated between pole owners and broadband providers bringing broadband to unserved areas.
Letter for the Record on Antitrust from Conservative and Free Market Leaders
In this coalition letter, these organizations caution weaponizing antitrust for broader socioeconomic purposes would fundamentally alter the primary goal of antitrust, undermine the rule of law, and negatively impact consumers.
Imagine the Covid-19 Pandemic Without Broadband
While the pandemic has imposed significant costs and losses on the economy, our broadband infrastructure has made it possible to work, shop, learn and be entertained while also maintaining social distancing, and is likely the single biggest factor in reducing the harm to the economy.
Fairness Regulations Chill Free Speech
Under fairness or neutrality regulations for the internet, the most likely result is a chilling effect on internet free speech, under which platforms cannot run the liability risk of allowing political speech on their platforms.
The First Manned Spaceflight by a Private Company
In America, where economic freedom and entrepreneurship can still fuel even the biggest of dreams, free enterprise is taking us into space.
The First Manned Spaceflight by a Private Company
American taxpayers are getting a safer, more advanced and much less expensive manned space program. And the key is the private sector.
Free Enterprise, Not Government Bureaucracy, Is Returning Americans to Space
Because of the superiority of entrepreneurship and free enterprise to government bureaucracy, America’s best days in space are just beginning.
Video Games Thriving During Covid-19, Threatened by Regulation
Even before the global pandemic, video game industry growth was on a tear. It innovates useful technology and creates high-paying jobs. We should be vigilant against uninformed efforts to unnecessarily regulate or restrict its growth and innovation.
The Digital Divide Is Closing (and Free Markets and Capitalism Did It)
It turns out that free-markets work to promote innovation, new products and services, and more competition.