Jump-Starting America
Jump-Starting America tells the story of the first American growth engine and provides the blueprint for a second. It is a visionary, pragmatic, sure-to-be controversial plan that will lead to job growth and a new American economy in places now left behind. Ultimately, Jump-Starting America is the untold story of how America once created the most successful economy the world has ever seen and how we can do it again.
Praise for Jump-Starting America
"Something has gone profoundly wrong with the US economy over the last two decades. Economic growth has been disappointing, and the little of it we have witnessed has benefited the already rich and left everybody else behind. This wonderfully readable book by two leading scholars explains why and what to do about it. It is a powerful call for action for the government to get involved, encourage innovation in local clusters, and help the economy get back to creating good jobs for ordinary Americans. A must read."
― Daron Acemoglu, Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics, MIT
"This brilliant book brings together economic history, urban economics, and the design of incentives to build an ambitious proposal to jump-start growth across geographies and mitigate inequality."
― Susan Athey, Economics of Technology Professor, Stanford University
"Opportunities for technological breakthroughs have never been greater, but America is fumbling its historic leadership. Gruber and Johnson explain with clarity, authority and insight how America can regain its innovation mojo."
― Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital e onomy
"In Jump-Starting America, Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson present an innovative and compelling case to invest more in innovation, and they propose a bold plan to ensure that the benefits are shared throughout the US and the money is spent wisely. Nothing less than the preeminence of the US economy hangs in the balance."
― Alan Krueger, Bendheim Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University
"Jump-Starting America is a brilliant, fascinating, timely, and important book. It makes a compelling case that thoughtful government investment in science is the key to achieving a second golden age for the American economy. A joy to read."
― Steve Levitt, William B. Ogden Distinguished Service Professor of Economics, University of Chicago