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Wednesday January 7, 2009

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Competitiveness

UPCOMING EVENT


Reuters/Steve Marcus - Mirrors are seen channelling sunlight onto a tube filled with oil during the dedication of Acciona's Nevada Solar One power plant in Boulder City.

Save to My Portfolio Invest in Infrastructure for Long-Term Prosperity

Monday, January 12, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC

President-elect Obama is preparing plans for an immediate economic stimulus package. At the same time, his new administration must consider how to make investments that will stabilize and strengthen our economy over the long term. On January 12, the Metropolitan Policy Program’s Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes will present their recommendations on bolstering infrastructure and investing in other economic drivers that can enhance long-term prosperity. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell will offer the opening remarks. Read More

Infrastructure, Competitiveness, U.S. Economy, Cities, U.S. Department of Commerce

New Top 10 Report

Save to My Portfolio Top 10 Global Economic Challenges

October 2008

As President-elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges. Read More

Global Economics, Development, Global Poverty, Globalization, Emerging Markets

FEATURED PROGRAM: Forum Index


Reuters/Clay Mclachlan - Bay Area drivers jam the Bay Bridge freeway during the morning commute in Oakland, California.

Save to My Portfolio Schwartz Forums on U.S. Competitiveness

The most recent Bernard L. Schwartz Forum on U.S. Competitiveness was a public symposium that explored the challenges and opportunities for new infrastructure investment. Schwartz, retired chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Loral Space & Communications, wanted the forums to serve as a platform for broad public discussion. The first forum, held in April 2006, opened with a discussion on U.S. education, innovation and research and development; the second forum addressed America’s standing in the field of science and technology as it relates to economic competitiveness. Read More

Past Event


Reuters/Tony Webster - Rescuers work around the wreckage of a collapsed bridge in Minneapolis August 1, 2007

Save to My Portfolio Investing in America’s Infrastructure

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

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. Read More

Infrastructure, Competitiveness, Telecommunications, Transportation, Traffic

SPOTLIGHT: INTERMOUNTAIN WEST


Reuters - The skyline of Denver, Colorado against a Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Save to My Portfolio The New West

Robert E. Lang, Andrea Sarzynski and Mark Muro, July 20, 2008

Denver may be where the Democrats convene next month, but it’s also where the Metropolitan Policy Program is convening local and regional leaders this week to probe other reasons why the 2008 presidential election is important to the region. A new report takes stock of how economic, social and environmental realities in the Intermountain West are being driven by the emergence of five super-sized “megapolitan” areas that dominate the states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Read More

Competitiveness, Regions and States, Political Conventions

UPCOMING EVENT

Save to My PortfolioThe Scouting Report: Invest in Infrastructure for Long-Term Prosperity

Wednesday, January 07, 2009
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Brooklyn BridgeTo secure long-term prosperity, the United States should build on the assets of its metropolitan areas. Federal policy reforms to enhance innovation, human capital, infrastructure and quality places will ultimately help our economy to grow in more productive, inclusive and sustainable ways. On January 7, Robert Puentes will answer questions in a live web chat with Politico's Fred Barbash about the challenges and opportunities President-elect Barack Obama faces. Read More

Infrastructure, Competitiveness, Cities, Transportation, U.S. Economy

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioLiving Wage Laws: How Much Do (Can) They Matter?

Harry J. Holzer, December 10, 2008, The Brookings Institution

Harry Holzer examines the likely effects of “living wage” ordinances on employment outcomes, according to economic theory; as well as evidence on their actual effects. Read More

Wages, Cities, Competitiveness, Community Development, Labor Markets

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioArizona Needs to get in the Federal Game

Robert E. Lang and Mark Muro, November 20, 2008, The Arizona Republic

Mark Muro and Robert Lang in a recent Arizona Republic column discuss the major change of management in Washington, and urge “megapolitan” areas of the Intermountain West to better organize their energies and consider how to amplify their voice in national affairs as federal policy responses are renegotiated. Read More

Competitiveness, Regions and States, U.S. Economic Growth, U.S. Politics, Cities

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioGetting Infrastructure Bang for the Buck

Robert Puentes, November 13, 2008, The New Republic

In this opinion piece published in the New Republic, Robert Puentes argues that President-elect Obama has a tremendous opportunity to connect infrastructure spending to broad national goals (such as economic competitiveness and environmental sustaianability). In this way the federal stimulus dollars can accelerate the right kind of projects in the right places, creating jobs and waking up related areas of the economy. Read More

Infrastructure, Transportation, Competitiveness, Cities, The Presidential Transition

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioOhio must Build on its Strengths by Customizing Development Strategies for Each Region

Bruce Katz and Lavea Brachman, October 19, 2008, The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Bruce Katz and Metro partner Lavea Brachman co-authored an op-ed appearing in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer stemming from the success of the “Ohio Summit” this past September. In it, the two explain the need for a change in the discourse about the national economy. Read More

Community Development, Competitiveness, Sprawl, Regions and States, Economic Development

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioWestern Perspective: Mountain Megas

Robert E. Lang and Mark Muro, October 14, 2008, Headwaters News

Mark Muro and Robert Lang in a recent Headwaters News column bring to attention the “New American Heartland” — the Intermountain West, noting that the region's signature issues increasingly reflect the nation's, whether it be road and rail infrastructure, job quality, immigration, or energy. Read More

Competitiveness, Regions and States, U.S. Economic Growth, U.S. Politics

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioA Small-town or Metro Nation?

Jennifer Bradley and Bruce Katz, October 08, 2008, The New Republic

Jennifer Bradley and Bruce Katz examine the notion that America is still nation of small towns. Taking cues from Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin about her hometown of Wasilla, Bradley and Katz's metro area analysis shows that even so-called “small towns” like Wasilla are in fact part of larger metro areas, like Anchorage that contribute greatly to their state’s economy. Read More

Competitiveness, Elections, Regions and States, Political Campaigns, U.S. Politics

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioCan America Still Lead in the Global Economy?

Lael Brainard and David Lipton, August 2008, The Brookings Institution

Can America Still Lead in the Global Economy?The need for U.S. economic leadership continues despite a global financial crisis, and new and emerging economic powers. But while the need for U.S. leadership in the global economy is clear, the capacity is less so. In a paper prepared for the Aspen Strategy Group in August 2008, Lael Brainard and David Lipton explore the changing context for US international economic leadership, review economic goals, and discuss the adequacy of the instruments available for pursuing those goals. Read More

U.S. Economy, Competitiveness, Global Economics, Financial Markets, U.S. Economic Growth

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioMinneapolis: Our Bridge is Fixed; The Problem is Not

Bruce Katz and R.T. Rybak, July 31, 2008, The Brookings Institution

The replacement for the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed one year ago is nearing completion. But, argue Bruce Katz and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, the calls for reinvestment in transportation infrastructure have not been heeded. As outlined by the Metropolitan Policy Program, the federal government needs to systematically identify, map and prioritize the nation-shaping projects that require federal investment, breaking radically from our current practices. It shouldn’t take another bridge collapse to teach us. Read More

Infrastructure, Transportation, Competitiveness, Cities

RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Save to My PortfolioAn Economic Strategy for Investing in America's Infrastructure

Manasi Deshpande and Douglas W. Elmendorf, July 2008, Hamilton Project Strategy Paper

Infrastructure investment has received more attention in recent years because of increased delays from road and air congestion, high-profile infrastructure failures, and rising concerns about energy security and climate change.  Manasi Deshpande and Doug Elmendorf discuss a strategy for America to increase investment in physical and telecommunications infrastructure to spur a more prosperous economy. Read More

Infrastructure, Transportation, Competitiveness, Broadband Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation

Competitiveness at Brookings

As emerging economies and existing powers seek competitive advantages, how can America retain its edge? If global integration is going be an enduring benefit for Americans—and receive their broad-based political support—the United States will need a sustained national agenda for remaining the world's most vibrant economy. Brookings’s institution-wide initiative on competitiveness integrates the global debate with developments at the local, state and federal levels.

Read More »

Resources

Competitiveness Save to My PortfolioSchwartz Forum on Competitiveness

The Brookings Institution

Featured Experts

Lael Brainard

Lael Brainard

Vice President and Director, Global Economy and Development
Bernard L. Schwartz Chair in International Economics

Lael Brainard is vice president and director of Global Economy and Development. Formerly White House Deputy National Economic Adviser and Associate Professor at MIT, she focuses on competitiveness, trade, international economics, U.S. foreign assistance and global poverty. She is also the Director of the All Brookings Initiative on Competitiveness.
Read More

Martin Neil Baily

Martin Neil Baily

Senior Fellow, Economic Studies

Martin Baily, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during the Clinton administration (1999–2001) and one of three members of the council from 1994 to 1996, focuses on issues of globalization, productivity and competitiveness, Social Security reform, and U.S. economic policy.
Read More

Bruce Katz

Bruce Katz

Vice President and Director, Metropolitan Policy Program
The Adeline M. and Alfred I. Johnson Chair in Urban and Metropolitan Policy

Bruce Katz, vice president and founding director of the Metropolitan Policy Program, regularly advises national, state, regional and municipal leaders on policy reforms that advance the competitiveness of metropolitan areas.
Read More

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Spotlight

TopicEducation

The economic and political well-being of any democracy requires a well-educated citizenry. Brookings’s work has extended beyond the K-12 bookends to include pre-school interventions and issues in higher education. Experts are tackling fundamental issues on the role of education in the national and global economy.

ProgramGovernance Studies

Governance Studies explores political institutions of the United States and other democracies to assess how they govern, how their practices compare and how citizens and public servants can advance sound governance.

ExpertSarah A. Binder

Sarah Binder is an expert on Congress and legislative politics.  She is completing a project on the politics of advice and consent, and is at work on the politics of how Congress responds to financial crises.

Research ProjectLatin America Initiative

The Latin America Initiative provides high-quality, in-depth, and independent research across a range of economic and political issues, and offers policy recommendations aimed at U.S. and Latin American policymakers.

ExpertDarrell M. West

Darrell M. West is the vice president and director of Governance Studies at Brookings. His studies include campaigns and elections, political advertising, mass media, public opinion, technology policy and electronic government.

ExpertEswar Prasad

Eswar Prasad, the Tolani Senior Professor of Trade Policy at Cornell University, is a senior fellow in Global Economy and Development. He was previously head of the Financial Studies Division and the China Division at the IMF.

ExpertRebecca Blank

Rebecca Blank is an expert on the interaction between the macroeconomy, government anti-poverty programs, and the behavior and well being of low-income families. She has just been named the Robert S. Kerr senior fellow at Brookings.

ExpertMark B. McClellan

A medical doctor and economist, Mark McClellan works on promoting high-quality, innovative and affordable health care. Once commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. McClellan now directs the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform.

Policy CenterEngelberg Center for Health Care Reform

The Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform provides practical solutions to achieve high-quality, innovative, affordable health care with particular emphasis on identifying opportunities on the national, state and local levels.

Research ProjectThe Hamilton Project

The Hamilton Project produces research and policy proposals on how to create a growing economy that benefits more Americans. Their agenda also focuses on enhancing individual economic security and effective public investments. 

ExpertMauricio Cárdenas

Mauricio Cárdenas is a senior fellow and director of the Latin American Initiative. Formerly minister of Economic Development and Transportation, and director of National Planning of Colombia, his research focuses on international and development economics. He is also the president of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association (LACEA).

TOPICThe Presidential Transition

During the 77 days from the election to the Inauguration, Brookings experts will offer 12 "Memos to the President" on top policy priorities across the spectrum of domestic and global challenges, plus additional advice on transitioning from campaigning to governing.

ExpertMartin S. Indyk

Ambassador to Israel and assistant secretary of state for near east affairs during the Clinton Administration, Martin Indyk directs the Saban Center for Middle East Policy. He currently focuses on the Clinton administration’s diplomacy and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

ExpertHugh B. Price

Former president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League, Hugh Price is an expert on education, civil rights, equal opportunity and criminal justice. His 40-year career spans journalism, philanthropy, the law, and social advocacy.

ExpertJulia B. Isaacs

Julia Isaacs focuses on public investments in children and how children are affected by national budgetary policies. A former federal budget analyst, she also researches the economic mobility of children and families across the income spectrum.

ExpertAlice M. Rivlin

Alice Rivlin, the first director of the Congressional Budget Office, is an expert on urban issues as well as fiscal, monetary and social policy. She directs the Greater Washington Research project. 

ExpertSuzanne Maloney

Suzanne Maloney studies Iran, the political economy of the Persian Gulf and Middle East energy policy. A former U.S. State Department policy advisor, she has also counseled private companies on Middle East issues.