What is the relationship between jobs, innovation, and regulatory policy? According to a recent memo released by Michael Mandel of the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) titled, “The Coming Communications Boom? Jobs, Innovation and Countercyclical Regulatory Policy”, they are integrally connected.

With America attempting to pull itself out of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, and with the national unemployment rate currently hovering just below 10%, one industry is stepping up to the plate and creating new American jobs – the communications industry. This memo released by PPI states, “Internet companies, along with firms engaged in wireless telecom and computer systems design, seem to be emerging as ‘job leaders’ in the next economic expansion.”

But what role will regulatory policy play in continuing this “job awakening” that we have seen in the communications industry? The answer depends on what types of regulatory policies are adopted moving forward. This memo by PPI calls for “countercyclical regulatory policy” to be applied to the telecommunications industry. Traditionally, this type of policy has been reserved for the financial industry. But Mandel argues that, “Countercyclical regulatory policy could bring enormous benefits. Investments would pour into the communications sector, and hiring would step up, as companies try to take advantage of the permissive regulatory period to build out their businesses.”

Read more of Mandel’s case here.

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The economic downturn and credit crisis of the past two years taught us something – we can’t continue to do things the same way we did before. A 21st century approach is required to navigate the 21st century global business environment. That was the crux of a discussion on Thursday at CES titled “Staying Competitive in Turbulent Times.”

The discussion featured marketing officers from several different technology companies – including ATT, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard – who have been at the forefront of helping the U.S. right the ship in a rather turbulent economic storm. The message was clear – technology is the answer to a 21st century competitive economy.

When asked towards the end of the conversation what consumers can expect in 2010 and beyond, the answer was unanimous. Expect more video, more mobility, and more integration of products and devices consumers already enjoy. And what will drive this integration and interconnectedness?

Broadband.

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