$40B in Tech Investments = One Million Infotech Jobs
To what extent can information-technology investments spur economic growth? In a joint letter to Congressional leaders, 116 infotech CEOs and business leaders today said that if Congress spent $40 billion on smart electric-grid upgrades, broadband infrastructure, and health-care IT systems, the result would be 949,000 new U.S. jobs. “Information and communications-enabled technologies improve energy efficiency, help doctors save lives and money in health care, catalyze new business models and entrepreneurs, enable educational improvements and empower individuals to take more control over their lives,” the group wrote. “Those nations with the most advanced digital infrastructure will reap the largest benefits and lead in next generation jobs, services and companies.”
The House has put forward an $825 billion stimulus package; it explicitly includes $11 billion for smart-grid upgrades and research, $20 billion for health-care information technology, and $6 billion for wireless and broadband infrastructure grants. With the package working its way through Congress, the letter went to House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, and House Republican leader John Boehner. Such investments will “provide our nation with a near-term stimulus and long-term comparative advantage,” the group wrote.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

Why China is still obsessed with disinfecting everything
Most public health bodies dealing with covid have long since moved on from the idea of surface transmission. China’s didn’t—and that helps it control the narrative about the disease’s origins and danger.

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.

Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.

A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.