With so many Americans concerned about the economy, it can be hard to get your head around all the different issues and policies being discussed.   This is especially the case during a presidential election year.   From gas prices and health care, to housing and the job market — Americans are feeling the pinch.

Today, ITIF and Silicon Flatirons hosted a conference titled “Innovation Economics for the Next Administration.”  Their goal was to bring together policy analysts, economists and technology experts to discuss the state of the American economy and what needs to be done to ensure the safety of our financial future.   The discussion was substantive as well as focused on real things government and individuals can do to get America’s economic engine humming again.

Michael Mandel, Chief Economist at BusinessWeek and panelist at the conference, recently published an article in his magazine discussing the financial crisis.   Mr. Mandel points to a whole new way of thinking — innovation economics. Ever since America began, we have been at the forefront of innovation across the globe. One specific recent example is the Internet. The Internet provides the opportunity to communicate at a faster rate than we ever have before — providing the opportunity for greater democratic participation and a platform for the kind of ingenuity we have grown accustomed to in the U.S.

The broadband networks that deliver the wealth of information that is the Internet are vital to our now information-based economy, as well as to solutions to other significant national challenges like energy, the environment, health care and education.

But the real benefit of broadband continues to be its ability to inject progress and change into all sectors of the American economy. There are numerous, human examples throughout the country of how access to broadband is providing more economic opportunity in our communities. According to Phil Weiser, Director of Silicon Flatirons, “Broadband is the driver of our economy, and must be treated as such.”

In dealing with the current economic downturn, the vital role of broadband investment should not be overlooked — for it will play a central role in our nation’s efforts to restore health, growth and opportunity throughout our economy.

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