From the end of World War II through 1980, U.S. GDP grew 3.3 percent each year on average. The 35 years that followed saw the emergence of venture capital, the personal computer, the internet and the iPhone. High-growth, high-technology firms now account for one-fifth of the value of U.S. publicly traded companies, yet real GDP growth has fallen to an average of just 2.6 percent per year. Entrepreneurship is not living up to its growth potential. Is government to blame?
Taking the position that government policies and overreach are standing in the way of innovation and entrepreneurship:
James Bailey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics, Creighton University
Paul Martino
General Partner, Bullpen Capital
Taking the position that thoughtful public–private collaboration serves as a successful means for entrepreneurial growth:
Aziz Gilani
Partner, Mercury Fund
Yael Hochberg, Ph.D.
Ralph S. O’Connor Professor of Entrepreneurship, Rice University, and Rice Faculty Scholar, Baker Institute
The debate was hosted by the Baker Institute McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, together with The Adam Smith Society at the Manhattan Institute.
Join the conversation online with #BakerMcNair.
Agenda
6:30 pm — Reception
7:00 pm — Debate