Topic: Information Technology & Innovation Foundation

Kids turning to cellphone for Internet; it's tough on parent oversight

The number of teens and tweens accessing the Internet via cellphone is growing, a new survey says, posing bigger problems for parents who like to keep tabs on their kid's Internet activities. 

'Sequester' harm to economy? Maybe for longer than you think.

Economists say spending cuts from the budget sequester will slow growth in the GDP somewhat in the near term. But a new analysis says a reduction in innovation could double the long-term impact.

White House targets cybertheft as worries about China mount (+video)

The White House put forward a new strategy Wednesday for combating cybertheft against US companies. The document says the theft of US trade secrets is 'accelerating.'

Immigration reform 101: Is a sensible guest-worker program possible?

The immigration-reform plan proposed by a group of bipartisan senators seeks to establish a flexible guest-worker program. But labor and business want to do that in two very different ways. 

Opinion: US manufacturing is key to competitiveness

US global competitiveness is slipping. But there is some good news: US manufacturing is in the midst of a revival. Preparing a skilled workforce for the manufacturing sector should be one of the Obama administration’s top economic priorities. This can boost competitiveness.

Immigration reform: a bid to attract workers who will boost the economy (+video)

Immigration reform is foremost a social issue, but it has big economic implications. Exhibit A is a measure that, looking forward, aims to attract immigrants whose skills mesh with the US needs.

Jobs report finds little overall progress. Why is recovery so slow?

Jobs report says the unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in December – the same as for November. Employment growth is notably slower than in past recoveries from recession.

Germany's secret to staving off the eurocrisis? Manufacturing.

Germany is 'strong and growing' more than almost any other Western economic power, thanks in large part to the country's dedication to its small- and mid-sized manufacturing companies.

Obama's record on job creation: How good or bad?

The question of jobs is central to Election 2012. Mitt Romney claims President Obama has been a failure, while Obama says he's presided over steady growth. Decoder sweeps aside the spin.

US incomes fall to 1989 levels. How did that happen?

A Census report signals that for much of America, the economic downturn has produced not one lost decade but two. But the data also show that federal safety-net programs helped keep people out of poverty.

Obama proposes bringing jobs home from overseas. Would his plan work?

To achieve his goal of 'insourcing,' Obama proposes rewarding firms that create jobs in the US while imposing higher effective taxes on profits earned by overseas operations.

Is Gary Johnson right about shovel-ready jobs? 5 infrastructure challenges.

Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson scored a rhetorical winner in a Republican debate Thursday by saying that his neighbor's dogs 'have created more shovel-ready jobs than this current administration.' But President Obama's latest jobs plan includes a call for more spending on roads and bridges, an idea that has at least some Republican support. Here's a look at the debate over infrastructure and the economy.

Obama makes Silicon Valley pilgrimage in quest to boost US innovation

President has made innovation the centerpiece of his push to revive the American economy. He traveled to Silicon Valley Thursday to woo CEOs in the capital of American innovation.

Does Obama budget 'win the future'? Six ways he wants to boost innovation.

The Obama budget proposal for 2012 includes significant funding increases for scientific research and science education. But some supporters of an innovation agenda say it isn't ambitious enough.

What if the US shut down the Internet like Egypt did?

For starters, you wouldn't be reading this article.

Obama to loosen export controls: Will it help economy or hurt security?

President Obama will announce Tuesday a plan to revamp the export controls on sensitive military equipment. The move could boost US trade, but it will have to be done carefully, experts say.

Why Facebook enjoys explosive growth - despite its many stumbles

Facebook's staggering growth rolls over critics on issues from ease of use to user privacy.

Fix the economy? There's a mobile app for that.

Mobile apps could boost the economy just as previous high-tech breakthroughs have.

How America can create jobs

The nation's entrepreneurial prowess may be the best hope to stem 9.7 percent unemployment. Companies from a laser-tech firm to a baby-sitting network are harnessing new ideas – and helping reinvent the economy.

Blueprint for honing America's entrepreneurial edge

It should boost R&D spending, improve the education system, and lure the brightest immigrants.

White House proposes tax credits for clean energy

Combining its push for clean energy and new jobs, the White House backs $5.4 billion in new tax credits intended to create tens of thousands of new manufacturing jobs.

Fight brews over how to build a better Internet

The stimulus bill has $6 billion to expand broadband access. But who can do it soonest vs. best?

For a spiffier electric grid: $11 billion

Wanted: next growth engine for US economy

High-tech, healthcare, energy, or factory goods could rev up a year from now.

Obama and McCain diverge on globalized trade

They’re looking for balance between ‘free trade’ and protection for American workers.