Brookings: Topics - Technology

Improving Broadband Innovation and Investment

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 09, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Broadband and wireless technologies are key elements of our nation’s economic, social and civic development. With the Federal Communications Commission’s stated goals of bringing broadband access to all Americans, it is crucial to determine how to be innovative when investing in broadband infrastructure. On November 9, the Brookings Institution hosted a policy forum to examine this issue and to discuss ways to overcome barriers to developing this infrastructure.

What Health Care Innovation Means for Consumers

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 05, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Health care innovation, done right, creates opportunities for consumers to control their own health records, rate physicians and hospitals, learn from other patients and focus on positive health outcomes. On November 5, Brookings hosted a policy forum to discuss the ways in which digital technology can empower patients and enhance the quality of the American health care system.

Technological Advances in Health Care

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:58:00 GMT

Technological advances in health care can give consumers more control over key aspects of their care and health outcomes. Darrell West examines the benefits of new technology in the medical system and what it will mean for the quality, accessibility and affordability of health care.

Transferring Environmentally Sound Technologies in an Intellectual Property-Friendly Framework

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In December, the 15th Conference of Parties will attempt to reach an agreement on new international climate change and emissions regulations. Charles Ebinger and Govinda Avasarala note that any agreement is likely to use a plethora of technologies which many nations do not have access to, and they propose solutions to the intellectual property rights issues involved.

A Revolution Once More: Unmanned Systems and the Middle East

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amidst growing use of robotics in warfare, Peter Singer explores the future of unmanned systems in the Middle East and South Asia. Singer concludes that while the United States remains -- and likely will remain -- the top developer of such technology, it is only a matter of time before other nations begin deploying robotics in large numbers.

1000 Days to the 7th Billion Human: What Do We Tell Her?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 1,000 days, the seventh billion human being joins the rest of us on Planet Earth. Hakan Altinay poses the question, "What would we tell her?" and reflects on the advances the world has made and critical risks that still exist. He proposes that this occasion offers us a chance to reflect on the human condition and implicit responsibilities we have toward other human beings and future generations.

Expanding the Financial Services Frontier: Lessons From Mobile Phone Banking in Kenya

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Access to financial services is crucial to economic growth and poverty reduction, yet a large proportion of households in developing countries lack access to financial services. Brookings expert Mwangi Kimenyi and Njuguna S. Ndung’u, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, discuss the Kenyan experience with mobile phone banking and how this technology can expand the financial services frontier.

Customer-Driven Medicine: How to Create a New Health Care System

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Health care today is dominated by physicians, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies and government agencies. However, imagine a different system where, with the aid of technology, the patient is in charge. Darrell West outlines a vision for a new health care system based on mobile health (mHealth), remote monitors, electronic medical records, social networking sites, video conferencing and Internet-based recordkeeping.

Consumer-Driven Medicine: How Digital and Mobile Technologies Can Improve Health Care

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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October 08, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 8, The Brookings Institution hosted a policy forum to discuss how digital technology can empower patients to take responsibility for their routine health care, and rely on physicians and hospitals only for more serious medical conditions.

The Scouting Report: Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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October 07, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

New technology and modes of warfare are changing our understanding of national security and defense capabilities. On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered questions about defense issues in a high-tech world, including: current U.S. defense needs; defense energy security; and future priorities such as robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

Light Fighter Planes: From Crop-Dusting to Counterinsurgency?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Air Force recently announced a plan to explore purchasing 100 "light fighters" for use in counterinsurgency operations in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Peter Singer explores why the Air Force should not follow through on this plan, and he argues that unmanned systems already developed are better options moving forward.

FCC Chairman Proposes New Net Neutrality Plans

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced his plan to expand “net neutrality” rules for Internet providers. The chairman advocated an anti-discrimination rule that would prevent Internet providers from blocking or slowing the utilization of competing services, and a transparency rule that would require providers disclose how they manage traffic, writes Darrell West.

What Consumers Want From Mobile Communications

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress tasked the FCC with developing a national broadband policy by February 17, 2010 to boost our nation’s communications infrastructure and long-term economic development. Darrell West explores in a new study what consumers want from new mobile communications in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, and Spain and how these results demonstrate the virtue of innovation and open networks for communications policy.

Blogs as Public Forums for Agency Policymaking

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Blogs represent opportunities for individuals to express views, comment on the opinions of others and build a new online community. The U.S. government understands blogs’ dynamism and, as a result, agencies are seeking to increase their online presence by developing their own blogs. Julianne Mahler and Priscilla Regan examine the ways governmental and non-governmental blogs are used to link citizens and government officials.

Wired for War: The Future of Military Robots

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though robots are currently being used by the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, Peter Singer says this is just the beginning and much more advanced types are coming. In an extract from his book Wired for War, Singer examines the future of robotic warfare on the ground, in the air and from space.

Digital Health and Participatory Medicine

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Americans debate about health care reform and how it will affect the doctor-patient relationship, Darrell West discusses how new technologies can bring in a new era of "participatory medicine." The advent of health information technology can generate efficiency, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.

The Federal Statistical System in the 21st Century: The Role of the Census Bureau

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a hearing of the Joint Economic Committee, Andrew Reamer indicated that, to become a 21s century statistical agency, the Census Bureau needed data programs that fully reflect today’s knowledge- and services-based economy; enable private and public organizations to make more informed, effective resource allocation decisions; and readily incorporate advances in information technology.

Tactical Generals: Leaders, Technology, and the Perils

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

General Charles Krulak coined the term “strategic corporal” (a junior member trained to make time-critical decisions in response to the dynamic ground fight). Peter Singer examines a similar phenomenon occurring among senior officers, observing that modern technology allows generals to personally engage on the tactical level from remote locations.

Attack of the Military Drones

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In modern warfare, precision drones can dramatically reduce human casualties. Peter Singer explores the debate surrounding this mechanization of warfare and exposes the battle of ideas—both for and against military robotics use—that it has sparked.

The Changing Fortunes of the U.S. Workforce: What's Driving Income Inequality

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

On June 23, the Center on Children and Families at Brookings hosted an event that examines a new report by McKinsey Global Institute on changing employment and income that informs the debate on what has driven the dispersion in incomes across industries and occupations.

The Two Faces of Twitter: Revolution in a Digital Age for Iran

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The role of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter in recent Iranian street demonstrations shows the power of digital technologies. At the same time that these technologies facilitate grass-roots communications, they also sow the seeds for future political repression, writes Darrell West.

Obama's Twitter Strategy

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The reform movement in Iran has been bolstered by the use of new media including YouTube and Twitter. Ariel Kastner suggests that the Obama administration should be vigilant in protecting access to these outlets and make dissatisfaction clear when countries attempt to block their citizens from using such outlets.

Innovation in Government: How to Make the Public Sector Faster, Smarter and More Connected

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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June 17, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On June 17, Brookings hosted an event on how new technology can make the public sector perform faster and smarter. Brookings Vice President and Director of Governance Studies Darrell West released a new study, “Comparing Technology Innovation in the Private and Public Sectors.”

The Scouting Report: Technology Innovation for Open Government

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 17, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30

Brookings expert Darrell West and Politico Senior Editor David Mark discussed ways the government can use the Internet and new technologies to provide better, faster, more transparent and accountable service to its people in the June 17 edition of the Scouting Report.

The Rise of the Tactical General

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer frames the ongoing robotics revolution within militaries around the world through the idea of the tactical general who—given the ability through unmanned systems—can micromanage even the lowest-level operations. Singer believes that even though the capabilities in war are changing, lessons of the past should guide military leaders who are tempted to stray from their job of setting broad goals and battlefield objectives.

Comparing Technology Innovation in the Private and Public Sectors

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Technology can be a tool for making government better and democracy stronger. However, the public sector has continued to fall behind the private sector in technology innovation, writes Darrell West. Evaluating the web sites of leading U.S. corporations with state and national governments, West offers five reasons why the private sector has outpaced government in effective innovation, and ways the public sector could improve.

The Scouting Report: Clean Energy Innovation

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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June 03, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

In the June 3 edition of the Scouting Report live web chat, Brookings policy expert Mark Muro and Politico senior editor Fred Barbash discussed how "The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" is more than just a cap-and-trade bill. The bill has significant components dedicated to energy innovation and clean energy technology development and deployment.

Waxman-Markey: What About Innovation?

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The climate change bill now winding its way through the House of Representatives has significant components dedicated to energy innovation and clean energy technology development and deployment. However, Mark Muro argues, funding the Department of Energy’s budget request for innovation would more immediately establish American alternative energy leadership.

Gaming the Robot Revolution

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer examines the growing military robotics industry in light of the Terminator: Salvation and thoughts that robots may someday turn on their human creators. Singer concludes that while many of our inventions come from science fiction, we already have become so reliant on technology that we should not worry about a takeover.

Expanding Health Information Technology in the United States

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Armed with $19 billion dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Obama administration hopes to employ health information technology to improve medical treatment, cut costs by reducing errors and redundancies, and empower patients by giving them control over their own medical records. Not an easy task, warns Brookings expert Darrell West, since the federal government will need to address the financial, organization, and technological barriers limiting the utilization of health IT in the US.

Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics Are Wrong

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When people talk about robots and ethics, they always seem to bring up Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." But Peter Singer argues there are major problems with these laws and their use in our real world. Singer believes that instead of focusing on the morality of the robots themselves, we should examine the ethics of those behind the machines.

A Defense Force of Terminators is Almost Here

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer addresses a recent Australian white paper envisioning a military force for 2030. Noting that the white paper places very little emphasis on military robotics, Singer writes, “in planning for the future, we should not ignore the technological trends that are already in action.”

The New Digital Press: How to Create a Brighter Future for the News Industry

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is no question we are witnessing a fundamental economic and technological transformation of journalism, writes Darrell West. However, while traditional business models are dying, new ones are still being developed. In this multi-faceted, new-media universe, West says we need an information strategy for the news industry that expands on digital media's strengths while encouraging in-depth coverage.

Reasons to Love Washington (D.C.): We're Inventing the Future

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explains why the Washington, D.C. area can be compared to a science fiction laboratory where the future of technology is created.

Moving Money : The Future of Consumer Payments

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Moving Money, noted economists Robert Litan and Martin Baily bring together a group of distinguished analysts to examine this trend toward digital means of consumer payment.

Making the Business of Energy Efficiency Both Scalable and Sustainable

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As utilities rely more and more on energy efficiency in their portfolios of energy resources, it is important to recognize that making energy efficiency (EE) a sustainable and scalable business requires a partnership among utilities, regulators, legislators, and customers. Lisa Wood and Roland Risser examine how efficiency programs can offset sitnificant growth in demand for electricity over the next 20 years.

To Make Clean Energy Cheaper, U.S. Needs Bold Research Push

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Muro and Teryn Norris urge policy-makers to move innovation and commercialization to the fore of America’s outdated energy policy. They advocate creating regional energy partnerships—or e-DIIs—to accelerate the development of reasonably priced alternative energy technologies and bring them to the marketplace.

The 3 Laws May Not Be Enough To Guide Robot Warriors

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What does the Pentagon think about a possible robot uprising? Is Star Trek's view of combat realistic? Peter Singer addresses these questions and others in an interview with io9 about his new book, Wired for War.

The Robot Wars Have Arrived

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just as the computer and ARPAnet evolved into the PC and Internet, robots are poised to integrate into everyday life in ways we can't even imagine, thanks in large part to research funded by the U.S. military. Peter Singer discussed his new book, Wired for War with CNET, and explored the future of U.S. war fighting tactics.

Federal Energy R&D: Do It All - But Differently

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some say America needs to deploy existing green technology quickly while others say the nation needs to stress new scientific breakthroughs. Mark Muro says both camps are right, and that MPP’s proposal for the federal government to create a series of energy discovery-innovation institutes (e-DIIs) suggests a way to make progress on both counts.

Robots and the Rise of "Tactical Generals"

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores the most amazing robotics revolution taking place in the history of war, and even perhaps of humanity.

The U.S. Military's New Warriors: Robots

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:32:27 GMT

Peter W. Singer discusses advances in the use of robots by the U.S. military and the ethical concerns they raise.

War as Entertainment?

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer joined bigthink.com to explore if force is used more liberally when humans are removed from the battlefield and replaced by robotics.

Losing Our Technology Advantage

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

E-government expert Darrell West encourages the United States to invest more in its technology infrastructure. Once on the cutting edge of technological innovation and access, the United States now lags behind other industrialized nations. West recommends tax credits for private-sector research and development, greater support for higher education, and adult training programs that help workers transition to a 21st century economy.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The growth in of unmanned systems by the U.S. military has taken place so rapidly that we often forget how far we have come in just a short time. Peter Singer analyzes these changes in warfare and what it means for the future.

Military Robots and the Laws of War

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer explores how unmanned systems are rapidly transforming armed conflict and how the U.S. military fights wars.

New Paradigms in Energy Research

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 09, 2009, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

With new national leadership committed to investing in clean energy technology, now is the time to explore new research paradigms in America. At this event, the Blueprint for American Prosperity released a new report that examines the role of expanded energy research in reinvigorating America’s metropolitan economies, tackling security challenges and responding to global climate change.

Inside the Rise of the Warbots

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer's Wired for War has been praised by everyone from former National Security Advisor Anthony Lake to Jon Stewart as a definitive look at the growing use of robots on the battlefield. Wired.com interviewed Singer about the rise of the machines.

Energy Discovery-Innovation Institutes: A Step toward America's Energy Sustainability

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

America’s economic revitalization and future energy security compel the transformation of U.S. energy policy. To push innovation to the center of national reform, this Blueprint for American Prosperity report argues that the federal government should establish a national network of regionally-based energy discovery-innovation institutes (e-DIIs) to serve as the hubs of a decentralized, commercialization-oriented research network.

Wired for War: American Killing Machines

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As science fiction becomes reality on our battlefields, America has a new corps of warriors fighting on its behalf. Peter Singer examines the robotic revolution now underway in the U.S. military and how it may shape the future of war.

Military 2.0: Should You Fear the Killer Robots?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his new book, Wired for War, Peter Singer takes an in-depth and at times frightening look at the growing use of robotics by the military—a development that he argues will be looked on as "something revolutionary in war, maybe even in human history." Singer spoke with Mother Jones about the unforeseen ripple effects of these new technologies, the folly of calls to use robots in Darfur, and whether we should ban these machines before it's too late.

The Future of Robotics at War

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the United States invaded Iraq, there were only a handful of aerial drones and no unmanned ground systems. Today there are thousands of each, and the technology continues to improve. Brookings Senior Fellow Peter Singer joined Jon Stewart to discuss this technological revolution in light of his new book Wired for War.

In the Loop? Armed Robots and the Future of War

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the next generation of unmanned vehicles, ships, and planes hits the battlefield, Peter Singer explores the ramifications of the new battlefield reality involving robots at war.

Prepare for the Robot Wars

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his latest work, Wired for War, Peter Singer confesses his passion for science fiction as he introduces us to a glimpse of things to come–the new technologies that will shape wars of the future. In this interview with Scott Horton, Singer discusses the future of military technology.

Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 26, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Brookings hosted the launch of Wired for War, a new book by Peter W. Singer, who discussed the ways in which robotics have and will change the face of war, as well as the larger implications of these revolutionary developments. Following Singer’s presentation, General James Mattis, USMC, joined the discussion of the issues surrounding war, politics and technology in the 21st century.

Robots at War: The New Battlefield

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It sounds like science fiction, but it is fact: On the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, robots are killing America’s enemies and saving American lives. But today’s PackBots, Predators, and Ravens are relatively primitive machines. Peter Singer says the coming generation of “war-bots” will be immensely more sophisticated, but their development raises troubling new questions about how and when we wage war.

Maintaining Presidential Popularity During a Recession

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama starts his term with the highest approval rating of any recent new president. Expert Darrell West writes that President Obama can maintain his popularity, amid dismal economic news, with his oratorical skills, ability to keep people hopeful about the future, and use of new technologies for public outreach.

"Wired for War" Explores Robots on the Battlefield

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robot soldiers are no longer just the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. As Peter Singer explains, some military tasks previously assigned to humans are now being handled by machines.

Wired for War? Robots and Military Doctrine

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that it is clear that the American military must begin to think about the consequences of a 21st-century battlefield in which it is sending out fewer humans and more robots. Just as the technologies and modes of wars are changing, he argues, so must our concepts of how to fight and win them.

The Obama Era and the Digital White House

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign used an array of online tools to organize supporters and raise money. Now, his administration will try applying the same tools to governing. Darrell West joined The Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the future of e-government.

How Computer Modeling Can Avert Pandemic Outbreaks

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:55:44 GMT

Brookings’s Center on Social and Economic Dynamics has pioneered a model that forecasts how infectious diseases like the flu spread. Center director Joshua Epstein says the Obama administration should use modeling to avert pandemic outbreaks and restore faith in the public health system.

The Future of Consumer Payments

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:15:00 GMT

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September 16, 2008, 8:15 AM to 2:00 PM

The way consumers pay for products and services is dramatically changing, with cash and checks now accounting for less than half of all transactions and falling fast. What payment technologies lie ahead and how will they change the way our economy works? Brookings’s Initiative on Business and Public Policy held an event with some of America’s leading experts—including Under Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department David H. McCormick and American Express CEO Ken Chenault—on the evolution of electronic payments.

State and Federal Electronic Government in the United States, 2008

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Darrell West assesses the nature of American state and federal electronic government in 2008 by examining whether e-government effectively capitalizes on the interactive features available on the Internet to improve service delivery and public outreach.

Improving Technology Utilization in Electronic Government around the World, 2008

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Few developments have had broader consequences for the public sector than the introduction of the Internet and digital technology. In this Brookings report, Darrell West assesses the current conditions of electronic government around the world and offers practical suggestions for improving the delivery of information and services over the Internet.

Air Support: Creating a Safer and More Reliable Air Traffic Control System

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our nation’s air traffic control system, run by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has not kept up with the explosive growth in air travel. In as discussion paper for the Hamilton Project, Dorothy Robyn proposes to measures to increase air traffic effeciency and safety.

Investing in America’s Infrastructure

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:45:00 GMT

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July 25, 2008, 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM

The state of the nation’s infrastructure is generating rising public attention, prompted by daily travel frustrations, high-profile catastrophes, urgent calls to address climate change and energy security, and concerns about productivity and economic growth. The Hamilton Project released six new policy papers and hosted a public forum on the need for a national strategy that promotes infrastructure as a central component of long-term, broadly shared growth.

Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008: What Role for Washington?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

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June 11, 2008, 1:00 PM to
June 12, 2008, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Brookings and Google.org hosted a conference on electric vehicles, their potential to reduce U.S. oil dependence and the role of federal policy in promoting this technology.

Technology, Public Policy, and the Emergence of Brazilian Multinationals

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this paper, Edmund Amann examines the role of technology, innovation, and public policy in the development of some of Brazil’s largest and most internationalized firms.

A Look at the Pentagon’s Five Step Plan For Making Iron Man Real

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the movie Iron Man debuts in theaters, Peter Singer writes that the superhuman strengths enabled to the star character, through use of a suit, are "no mere fiction." Instead, Singer details how this vision of technology overcoming the weaknesses of the human body has led the Pentagon to invest billions of dollars into creating a military of supersoldiers.

Classification and Statistical Reconciliation of Trade in Advanced Technology Products: The Case of China and the United States

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Brookings-Tsinghua Center hosted a roundtable on September 6, 2007 titled “China’s Economic Policies” featuring top scholars and experts from U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). This topic is a point of interest in U.S.-China relations. Participants in that roundtable will be featured in a joint research working paper series between USITC, school of public policy and management at Tsinghua University and Institute of International Economics at NDRC of China.

Building a Knowledge Society in the Arab World

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Arab nations share a history of remarkable intellectual and scientific achievement,” writes Kristin Lord, “yet as a group, these 22 countries lag behind other regions—and their own potential—in educational achievement, scientific advances, and economic growth.” Drawing on the insights of a distinguished panel of experts from the Arab world, Lord assesses what has happened in the five years since the UNDP’s Arab Human Development Report 2003.

Children and Electronic Media

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 23, 2008, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On April 23, a slate of panelists, including researchers, media representatives, and advocates discussed the role of government and the private sector in making media a positive force in the lives of young people. Video clips from several positive media campaigns designed to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s youth were presented.

Clusters and Competitiveness: A New Federal Role for Stimulating Regional Economies

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Regional industry clusters—geographic concentrations of interconnected firms and supporting organizations—represent a potent source of productivity at a moment of national vulnerability to global economic competition. For that reason, Karen Mills, Elisabeth Reynolds and Andrew Reamer say the federal government should establish an industry clusters program to stimulate the collaborative interactions of firms and supporting organizations in regional economies to produce more commercial innovation and higherwage employment.

Boosting Productivity, Innovation, and Growth through a National Innovation Foundation

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To respond to America’s slipping leadership in commercial innovation the federal government should establish a National Innovation Foundation (NIF)—a nimble, lean, and collaborative entity devoted to supporting firms and other organizations in their innovative activities. By realigning and augmenting the nation’s diffuse present efforts the new entity would help create better jobs in America, not just for highly educated “knowledge workers” but for high school graduates in manufacturing and “low-tech services.”

America’s Innovation Challenge: Innovation Policy and Regional Industry Clusters

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

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April 22, 2008, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

The authors of a new report, “Boosting Productivity, Innovation, and Growth through a National Innovation Foundation" held a forum at the National Press Club in Washington DC to respond to America's slipping leadership in commercial innovation and urge the federal government to establish a National Innovation Foundation (NIF)—a nimble, lean and collaborative entity devoted to supporting firms and other organizations in their innovative activities.

Freedom, Religion and Democracy in the Age of the 24/7 News Cycle: A Dutch Perspective

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 11, 2008, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On April 11, the Brookings Institution hosted Bert Koenders, minister for development cooperation in the Netherlands, for an address on the freedom of expression and religion and their link with democratization in the Middle East and beyond.

Using the Media to Promote Adolescent Well-Being

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Parents are worried that teens are drowning in messages about sex, smoking, drinking, consumer goods and a host of other behaviors and products that threaten their well-being. This brief advocates using creative media to provide youth with positive messages that counteract the negative damaging messages to which they are exposed.

Technical Difficulties

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Crandall discusses telecommunications regulatory policies in the European Union and critiques a proposal to enforce functional separation on the broadband market.

Dealing Sensibly with the Threat of Disruption in Trade with China: The Analytics of Increased Economic Interdependence

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Noting widespread concern in Washington over the large and growing U.S.-China trade deficit, Brookings Scholar Wing Thye Woo discusses solutions to the present trade tensions.

An Antitrust Analysis of Google's Proposed Acquisition of DoubleClick

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Climate Change Takes Center Stage

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:30:00 GMT

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September 21, 2007, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Brookings hosted a forum to assess the significance of three high-profile global meetings addressing the challenge of climate change.

Finding Optimal Agent-Based Models

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

CSED Working Paper # 49 by Ben Klemens (September 2007)

Don't Drink the CAFE Kool-Aid

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Robert W. Crandall and Hal J. Singer argue against new CAFE standards on Detroit automakers being considered by Congress.

Obesity and the Influence of Others

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Op-ed by Carol Graham, Ross A. Hammond and H. Peyton Young (08/21/07)

Telecom Time Warp

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Crandall and Hal Singer argue that, eventually, either the FCC or the courts will realize that regulating competitive telecommunications networks for the benefit of select content providers is not in the interest of American consumers.

Beyond the 'Buy America' Debate: Sustaining America's Industrial and Technological Edge amid the Challenges of Globalization

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Christopher Robinson (July 2007)

The Effects of Broadband Deployment on Output and Employment: A Cross-sectional Analysis of U.S. Data

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Crandall, William Lehr and Robert Litan discuss how high-speed internet access has developed rapidly in the last decade and is increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure for our global information economy.

Does NASA Still Have the Right Stuff?

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Gregg Easterbrook, NPR "Morning Edition" (5/30/07)

Complex Systems Approaches to Population Health

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings' Senior Fellow Joshua M. Epstein joined scholars from across the country at the University of Michigan to explore how complex systems approaches can be used to understand the broad problems of population health.

Commercializing University Innovations: A Better Way

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As technologies have grown more sophisticated and emerging industries have become more high-tech, universities have become more important players in the processes of invention, innovation, and commercialization. Robert E. Litan, Lesa Mitchell and E.J. Reedy anticipate universities playing an even more important role in the innovation process in the future.

Some Internet Mergers Deserve a Careful Look

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Op-ed by Robert Hahn and Robert E. Litan (May 2007)

Are Drivers Who Use Cell Phones Inherently Less Safe?

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Robert Hahn and James E. Prieger (May 2007)

Drug Safety Reform at the FDA: Pendulum Swing or Systematic Improvement?

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Mark B. McClellan (April 13, 2007)

Leong Defeats Tsang, in the Blogosphere: A Glimpse of the Emergence of New Media in Hong Kong Politics

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Rikkie L. K. Yeung says that whether in America or Hong Kong, the more competitive the election, the higher incentive the candidates have to explore the digital media.

Fundamental Improvements in Drug Safety for the 21st Century: Time for a Systematic, Electronic Infrastructure

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Mark B. McClellan (03/14/07)

Economists' Statement on Network Neutrality Policy

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Network Neutrality Policy

Strengthening U.S. Information Technology: Keep America #1 on the Net

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Sean Maloney and Christopher Thomas of Intel argue that the next President will need to develop a comprehensive strategy that allows U.S. companies to remain the primary inventors and purveyors of Internet technology, stimulate American entrepreneurs to continue to develop the best new Internet businesses, and help American workers continue to receive the benefits of increased productivity and economic growth.

Statement on the Supreme Court Patent Case

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ben Klemens (02/23/07)

The Implications of Service Offshoring for Metropolitan Economies

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

outsourcing, metro economies, metropolitan economies, mei, job losses, information technology jobs, service jobs, backoffice jobs, computer programming, software engineering, and data entry jobs, offshored jobs, boost productivity and innovation, eco

The Future of Energy Security

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 23, 2007, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM