The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) today released a report providing a detailed analysis of the short-term jobs impacts of using the proposed stimulus package to spur investment in three critical digital networks: broadband, the smart electric grid and health information technology.
In the report “The Digital Road to Recovery: A Stimulus Plan to Create Jobs, Boost Productivity and Revitalize America,” ITIF found that a stimulus package that spurs a $30 billion investment in digital infrastructure would create an estimated 949,000 American jobs. Of these jobs, approximately 524,225 jobs would be in small businesses. The report comes as Administration and Congressional leaders work towards assembling a stimulus package that is expected to include tax cuts and total more than $700 billion.
“Investing in our nation’s digital infrastructure delivers more jobs and makes America more competitive than spurring consumer spending or even investing in traditional physical infrastructure,” said Robert Atkinson, President of ITIF. “We need a forward-looking stimulus package that supports the future economy and transformative technology—like broadband networks, health IT and the smart grid.”
The report will be presented by ITIF President Robert Atkinson at an event Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 9:00 AM in Washington, DC at the National Press Club.
