Reports & Briefings

For brief overviews of how key technologies work and why they matter, see ITIF’s “Technology Explainer Series.”

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May 27, 2019
Principles and Policies for “Data Free Flow With Trust”
The foundation of the global digital economy is showing cracks. Countries that support an open, rules-based global trading system need to agree on a common framework.
May 20, 2019
How Stringent Export Controls on Emerging Technologies Would Harm the U.S. Economy
Depending on how restrictive export controls are, U.S. firms could lose $14.1 billion to $56.3 billion in export sales over five years, with the missed export opportunities threatening from 18,000 to 74,000 jobs.
May 13, 2019
The EU Needs to Reform the GDPR To Remain Competitive in the Algorithmic Economy
Europe’s success in the global algorithmic economy requires a regulatory environment that is fit for AI but does not reduce consumer protections.
May 13, 2019
Digital Services Taxes: A Bad Idea Whose Time Should Never Come
Arguments used to justify digital services taxes on large Internet companies are flawed. The United States should counter these proposals and work to restore international consensus around tax treatment for multinational companies.
May 9, 2019
Why China Should Be Disqualified From Participating in WTO Negotiations on Digital Trade Rules
Chinese policymakers cling to a strident view that national sovereignty in the cyber realm supersedes the need to enable data flows or cooperate with trading partners on important international norms.
April 30, 2019
A Policymaker’s Guide to Blockchain
Policymakers can and should do more to support blockchain innovation and adoption, such as ensuring regulations are targeted and flexible, so as to encourage blockchain experimentation.
April 25, 2019
The Way Forward for Intellectual Property Internationally
Countries with robust IP rights and protections must recognize that new energy, new tactics, and a new strategy are needed to encourage other nations to contribute more and detract less from global innovation.
April 22, 2019
A Policymaker’s Guide to Road User Charges
A national “road user charge” system would ensure that everyone who drives on America’s roads contributes their fair share of the infrastructure costs.
April 19, 2019
Submarine Cables: Critical Infrastructure for Global Communications
Submarine cables use fiber-optic technology, whereby information is encoded onto waves of light transmitted by lasers across thin glass at up to 200 terabits per second.
April 8, 2019
The Case Against Taxing Robots
Given that the economy has been in an unprecedented productivity growth slump—and the baby boom retirement wave is rising—taxing automation equipment ranks as a singularly bad policy idea.

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