The political divide between red states and blue states mirrors an equally striking divide in how well adapted states are to the rigors of the technology and innovation-driven new economy. But as Randolph Court and Rob Atkinson write in the Washington Monthly, a new ITIF study also shows that every part of the country has an unreturnable stake in the continued progress of technological innovation. So the question is how to help areas that are falling behind claw their way into the winner’s circle. Part of the answer is for policymakers in Washington to recognize the forces at work and retool their approach to economic development. That should include not just national policies, but also a concerted regional economic development initiative.
