Center for Technology & Innovation Policy

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.

Infrastructure Package Threatens to Slow Cryptocurrency Innovation

The debate over the trillion-dollar, 2000-page infrastructure package is heating up in Congress, but not for the reason everyone thought. Despite fears over rising debt and inflation, one of the most controversial parts of the legislation revolves around cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. While there are various cryptocurrencies, the most commonly known one is Bitcoin. Bitcoin...

By Eric Peterson

REPORTS

REPORT: The State of Broadband in Louisiana and Mississippi

Drones in Louisiana: Helping the Pelican State Take Flight

[REPORT] Medicine in a Digital World

Sandboxes will Bring Innovation to Louisiana

The Pro Act Would Be a Disaster for Louisiana Workers

Louisiana workers have struggled to recover from the economic and physical damage caused by the pandemic. There are 132,000 fewer Louisianans working than in March of 2020, and the 6,700 jobs created in June means there is a long way to go until the economy gets back to pre-pandemic levels. While workers in Louisiana are...

By Eric Peterson

Letter to Congress: “The Federal Government Should be Careful When Appropriating Additional Broadband Funds”

There is a bipartisan agreement in Washington D.C. that the federal government should take steps to expand broadband access. However, many of these ideas involve spending billions of dollars while the country faces unprecedented levels of debt and deficits. Furthermore, most of these plans only address the access issue when adoption continues to be a major...

By Eric Peterson

Another Reason Why Tesla Won’t Move to Louisiana

Why are successful and innovative companies moving south but not to Louisiana? The states outdated and expensive tax structure plays a major factor, but so does Louisiana’s desire to protect the status quo from innovation. Look no further than how Louisiana is treating Tesla, one of the most innovative and valuable companies in the world....

By Eric Peterson

Louisiana Should Continue to Reject Government Owned Networks

There is major movement on the broadband front in Louisiana. Not only will the Federal Communications Commission spend over $300 million to provide access to previously unserved areas over the next six years, Louisiana is also poised to spend $180 million on broadband projects due to federal funds. With tens of millions of dollars on...

By Eric Peterson

Drones Need to Take Flight in Louisiana

The Louisiana economy is struggling with more than 100,000 lost jobs since the start of 2020. To return jobs and opportunity to Louisiana, policymakers should be using all the tools at their disposals. One industry ripe to provide economic benefit to Louisiana is aerial drones. Aerial drones are a rapidly advancing technology across the world....

By Eric Peterson

Louisiana Gets Serious About Innovation

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...

By Eric Peterson

(BIG) Solutions (mini) Summit(s) Tech and Innovation Recap

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...

By Eric Peterson

Principles for Broadband Expansion with the American Rescue Plan of 2021

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

Expanding Telehealth in Louisiana

As telehealth becomes more important than ever before, how can Louisiana and other states expand access to the service? Tune in to hear how The Reason Foundation’s Vittorio Nastasti and Empower Mississippi’s Russ Latino say we can increase access to telehealth!

By Eric Peterson

Reading Between the Lines on Latest Jobs Report

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...

By Eric Peterson

2020 Elections Impact on Tech

What impact will the elections have on technology and innovation in the U.S.? Join us Tuesday, as Jennifer Huddleston, Director of Technology and Innovation Policy at American Action Forum, and Ian Adams, Executive Director of the International Center for Law & Economics, join the PeliCast!

By Eric Peterson