We spoke in class about sources of innovative ideas. One external source of innovation are changes in perception. An easy way to identify a change in perception is to witness the reallocation of federal funds and legislation. In the last few years, the United States has placed a new emphasis on high-tech manufacturing, spearheaded by President Obama. The president is pushing for the development of high-tech manufacturing hubs. According to an article in the International Business Times, "By combining public-private partnerships with the leading edge of technology, politicians hope to plant the seeds of new middle-class jobs."
The first manufacturing hub was launched in Youngstown, OH in August 2012, and the launch of the second hub in Raleigh, NC was announced a few weeks ago. This new hub will be getting $140 million in funding over five years from the Department of Energy, businesses and universities. During the State of the Union Address, the president said he'd be launching six more hubs this year.
Another change in perception emphasized through federal action is the president's continued call for immigration reform. According to a recent article from Forbes Online, "a large percentage of our innovative start-up companies, particularly on the Coasts, are founded by immigrant entrepreneurs." In some fields, innovation is advancing so quickly that there are only a few people in the world with the expertise to explore problems. The president also called for the restoration of research funding to pre-sequester levels, which will be a boon to research and development.
This seems to be an interesting example of when innovation and public policy meet.
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