Innovation – and the technology that comes from it – has made all of our lives better in almost incalculable ways. Whether its access to clean water, transportation that can take us anywhere we want to go, or the information revolution, many of us would be lost without these technologies. Yet when it comes to technology advancements, government often gets in the way. Rules and regulations make it difficult for innovators to improve our lives. Louisiana often lags behind in embracing new technology stifling innovation and job creation while also hurting consumers in the process.
The pandemic has proven how important innovation is to staying safe and living our lives during a difficult time. However, innovation is also important to a state’s economic health. Regulatory sandboxes are policies that can jumpstart innovation and encourage job growth and opportunities in Louisiana. Regulatory sandboxes are an alternative regulatory framework for businesses that...
Sandboxes are alternative regulatory frameworks for companies with innovative products or business models. These companies still have to meet consumer protection requirements, but don’t have to work through years of red tape. Sandboxes have been introduced both across the country and the world. States like Utah, Wyoming, and Florida have all embraced sandboxes. A study...
Louisiana has the potential to be a tech and innovation destination. During the Pelican Institute’s recent “(BIG) Solutions (mini) Summit(s),” our expert keynote speakers and panelists offered several proven solutions to make Louisiana into the “Silicon Bayou.” If you missed the Summit(s), take a look at the videos below to learn how we can achieve...
Louisiana’s state and local governments will be receiving approximately $5.18 billion from the federal government because of the American Rescue Plan of 2021. Part of that $5.18 billion is earmarked for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that many rural areas still struggle with broadband internet access. Louisiana policymakers should invest...
by Eric Peterson, director of the Pelican Center for Technology and Innovation Policy At first glance, the December State Employment and Unemployment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics appeared positive for Louisiana. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals there is still a long way to go in the state’s economic recovery. The...
If you have been paying attention to the debate over online speech and conservative censorship, you have probably heard about Section 230. Section 230 was once a little-known piece of telecommunications law, but it always had large importance, allowing the internet as we know it to exist today. It reads: (1) Treatment of publisher or...
by Eric Peterson, Director, Pelican Center for Technology and Innovation Policy It seems nearly every week that some controversy or debate arises on the impact of social media in our lives. These debates took center stage this week when multiple big tech companies made a moderating decision about a major news outlet’s story this week....
There is no question that more Louisianans are in need of broadband internet connections. With children relying on broadband to attend school, employees counting on it to work, and many needing it to see their doctor, getting connected is more important than ever before. Unfortunately, many of the proposed solutions to get this don’t are...
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order related to free speech online. As part of this order, the President asked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit a petition for rulemaking to the Federal Communications Commission regarding Section 230. Section 230, known as the backbone of free speech online, provides that websites are not liable...
Last Wednesday’s Congressional antitrust hearing often had little to do with actual discussions of antitrust and instead, served as a platform for Congress to air their pet grievances to some of the nation’s largest tech firms. During the more than four-hour hearing, I couldn’t help thinking of the Inigo Montoya’s often quoted line from The...
In a huge victory for connecting Louisianans to high-speed broadband internet, Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senator Beth Mizell’s SB 10 into law on Wednesday. SB 10 removes major hurdles to providing broadband access to people and businesses who sorely need it across the state. The following is a statement from Daniel Erspamer, chief executive...
On Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards’ vetoed an important piece of legislation for connecting Louisianans to high speed internet. SB 406 by Senator Beth Mizell would have removed government barriers that are preventing countless Louisianans from getting connected. The following is a statement from Daniel Erspamer, chief executive officer of the Pelican Institute, regarding Gov....
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more reliant on the internet than ever before. And while it has served as an essential tool for staying connected with our friends, family and colleagues, it has also proven especially important for one particular group of Louisianans – students. Louisiana students were in the middle of finishing up...
With COVID-19, the economic crisis, and the protests taking place across the country, Americans are feeling the need more than ever to communicate with their friends and family. Given all these circumstances, social media has become the go-to method of communicating for many. What many don’t know is that this ability to share our thoughts...