Can the Government Really Help Small Businesses?

May 18, 2012
It seems to me that most people would agree with the following statement: "Small businesses are the job growth engine in this country." You've probably heard it in the office, at the ballpark, or on the nightly news broadcast. It’s accepted as common ...

It seems to me that most people would agree with the following statement: "Small businesses are the job growth engine in this country." You've probably heard it in the office, at the ballpark, or on the nightly news broadcast. It’s accepted as common wisdom; and in today's mindset, that means government intervention will only bring further growth and improvement.

But that raises two important questions: "Do we really know what a small business is?" and "Can the government pick companies that are poised for growth?" As further investigation shows, the definition of a small business is so flexible that the government is able to wrap it around a wide variety of companies. And as the events surrounding Solyndra illustrate, the government is not always able to effectively pick winners and losers.

So we are left with a puzzle: Where does job creation come from and what role should the government have in it? The view from ITR Economics is that there are changes the government can make that will enable more private sector job creation. We'd like to hear your thoughts on this topic, and if you'd like to learn more about this subject, we have explored it in more detail in the upcoming issue of our monthly economic newsletter, the ITR Advisor.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Electric Vehicles Spark New Opportunities in the Automotive Industry

Dec. 4, 2023
Automakers have increased plans to produce Electric Vehicles to meet customer demand for low emissions. With this radical shift, new opportunities and challenges for the auto ...

3D Printing a More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

What Does Agility Look Like for Today's Auto Industry?

Dec. 4, 2023
Without modern technologies, enterprises aren't able to fully analyze the risks and respond to ongoing supply chain issues and semiconductor shortages.

Digitally Transforming Data and Processes With Product Lifecycle Management

Oct. 29, 2023
Manufacturers face increasing challenges in product development as they strive to consistently deliver improved results. Discover how industry leaders are improving time-to-market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!