The Innovation Consensus: Economic Growth in 2013 and Beyond

Sponsored by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Silicon Flatirons and the Technology Policy Institute

American cannot grow and create jobs without innovation. And America cannot solve its fiscal challenges without growth. Yet America's innovation potential, and the global competitiveness that it must fuel, is being challenged by trends both domestic and foreign.  And yet despite its importance, the issue is getting relatively little attention. Nonetheless, thinkers across the political spectrum have begun to focus on common-sense solutions. ITIF, TPI, and Silicon Flatirons are hosting a conference to explore the issues of why and how America’s innovation and competitiveness challenge is serious and what needs to happen to move the issue to the front and center of our political system support from both sides of the aisle.

Program (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

8:45 - 9:00 AM Welcome: Rob Atkinson, Tom Lenard, Jonathan Sallet

9:00 AM  Kick off Keynote Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)

9:25 -10:40 AM Where is America and Why?
This panel will examine the current state and future trends for America’s innovation and competitiveness situation, examining both existing industries and emerging ones.

Moderator: Peter Coy, Editor, Bloomberg Businessweek

• Rob Atkinson, ITIF
• Rebecca M. Blank, Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce
• Charles R. Hulten, Professor of Economics, University of Maryland
  
• Rosabeth Moss Kanter; Harvard Business School

10:40-11:00 AM Can the Public Be Enlisted Behind a National Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda?

• John Zogby, Managing Director, JZ Analytics

11:15-Noon Can We Forge a Bipartisan Consensus on Innovation and Competitiveness?

Moderator: Jim Fallows, The Atlantic

• Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
•  Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)

12:10-1:25  PM Lunchtime Panel What Should America Do (and What Can it Agree Upon)
This panel will examine what the federal government needs to do to more effectively advance innovation and competitiveness, and what part of that is possible to get bipartisan agreement on.

Moderator: Rana Foroohar, Time Magazine

• Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX)
• Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI)
• Jonathan Sallet, Silicon Flatirons Senior Adjunct Fellow, Partner O'Melveny & Myers LLP
• Tom Lenard, President, Technology Policy Institute

1:25-1:30 PM Closing Remarks, Rob Atkinson or Jonathan Sallet