The US economy — still the biggest in the world, by far — drives and thrives on innovation. But innovation, as we know, depends on the best minds in the world. No top talent, no next new thing. Put it this way: A + B = C. (Or maybe: E = MC2.) One way we … Read More >>
Category: Industry
Forward From the Conventions
For anyone who cared to notice at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, it was abundantly clear that technology issues dovetail neatly with both parties’ views of our national interest. In their respective platforms, in the subtext of speeches, and at peripheral events in both Tampa and Charlotte, I heard general agreement that the things … Read More >>
Unfinished Business
The party nominating conventions in Tampa, Fla., and Charlotte, N.C. — not to mention Hurricane Isaac — have temporarily diverted the political world’s attention from important unfinished business in Washington. But with the clock ticking on the 112th Congress, there’s urgent need for lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation and for the Administration to take measures … Read More >>
Manipulating Technology Standards to Impede Competition
The point of having standards is to create a consistent set of rules, or models, for all parties to follow. That point seems to be lost, though, on governments in many emerging markets. When it comes to technology, countries like China and India are trying to create their own patchwork of unique standards — many … Read More >>
The New Wave of IT-Focused Trade Barriers, Another Case Study: Discriminatory Procurement Policies
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers sent a letter to the Indian government, expressing alarm at “unprecedented interference” in the procurement processes of government and commercial entities in India. The letter stated, in part, that “This policy will undermine investor confidence and would be inconsistent with India’s international obligations, as well as, … Read More >>