...Development (R&D) for U.S. Competitiveness and a Clean Energy Future Michael Greenstone June 2011 CEEPR WP 2011-010 A Joint Center of the Department of Economics, MIT Energy Initiative and MIT Sloan School of Management. The Importance of Research and Development (R&D) for U.S. Competitiveness and a Clean Energy Future Michael Greenstone 3M Professor of Economics, MIT Director, The Hamilton Project Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution Thank you Chair Maloney, Ranking Member Brownback and members of the Committee for inviting me to testify today. I believe it is critically important that we give greater priority to new and better research and development (R&D) investments, to help ensure our country’s future competitiveness and to pave the wave for clean energy innovation. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today about two interrelated challenges that our country faces. The first is the stagnation in economic opportunity for many families that dates back at least three decades. The second is the economic, national security, and environmental risks posed by our continued reliance on fossil fuels. The key purpose of my testimony is to discuss how R&D can enable us to begin confronting these dual challenges by creating new jobs for American workers, and fundamentally altering the way we produce and consume energy. I. CHALLENGE 1: UNITED STATES COMPETITIVENESS Even before the Great Recession’s arrival, there were legitimate concerns about U.S. competitiveness. A recent...
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...and the world’s way of life, has become extremely reliant on oil. The U.S. and other countries can reverse their decision to be reliant on oil over a long period of time, but in the mean time, they have been extremely reliant on the free flow of oil and the energy oil produces. It’s more than reasonable to suggest that all countries including the U.S. has a plan of action to deal with manmade or natural disaster disruptions to the oil needs. For the U.S., disasters such as 9/11 and the Katrina hurricane have suggested that we do not have an emergency plan that’s needed to counteract a short-term energy disruption. Focus is given to the U.S. and how we need a plan for not only short-term issues and disruptions, but also a long-term plan and how any of it can be used as being flexible if one part fails. If the U.S. or any other country decides to release their heavy reliance on oil, it would not only create a safer world but also a cleaner world. Consequences for society- o “Oil dependence lies behind the jihadist threat” or terrorist attacks o “Oil dependence reduces the leverage of the world community in responding to threats from oil-exporting nations” can’t bargain very well… o “Economic growth in oil consuming nations increases the demand for oil and pushes up oil prices.” Hurts pocket books… o “For the United States, of course, any increase in the dollar price of oil is immediately felt as an increased price burden, possibly leading to decreases in demand.” o “Most (68...
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...How the U.S. is Gravitating Toward Energy Independence Cyrus Chiasson English 2000 Section 12 Research Proposal February 24, 2015 Abstract America has strived for energy independence since the 1970s. Until recently, this was viewed as an unattainable dream. Energy independence is defined as producing and supplying all the energy consumed by the citizens of the country. Although, America has a long way to go in order to achieve full energy independence, recent innovations have allowed America to progress significantly towards a more independent energy system. The most imperative of these innovations include a decrease in the amount of oil imported from foreign oil exporters and an increase of domestic shale oil discoveries throughout America. As technology continuously modernizes, the efficiency of American shale oil extractions increase. America is hypothesized to have the ability to supply all its own energy by 2030. If America continues to reduce their petrochemical consumption and reliance on foreign oil, this energy independent milestone will be an approaching, feasible possibility. In this presentation, I will illustrate the constant momentum toward energy independence and how achieving autonomy introduces a surplus of economical possibility that has neglected to exist in previous American history. Rationale The Unites States, along with every other country, would benefit from being as energy independent as possible from foreign oil exporters. Currently...
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...America’s Future with Renewable Energy Robert Keith Clark ENG122 Prof. Sabine Meyer May 5, 2013 America’s future with renewable energy Only a very small percentage of the energy from the sun reaches the earth. However, one hour of that sunshine provides enough energy to power the entire world for a year (National Geographic, n.d.). As America moves forward into the 21st century, U.S. environmental policies need to do more to encourage green renewable energy technology thus reducing dependence on foreign oil, while focusing on environmental concerns, and helping to ensure that the United States remains a world leader. Methods Initial research for this project began with a look at U.S. government statistics and websites. However, as the research continued the Ashford library became a valuable source of information. This research paper is a combination of scholarly journal articles and other reliable articles from reputable news organizations. Some of the data came from teams of scientists and other international organizations that collect and organize data about renewable energy and environmental issues. One source that was particularly useful was America’s Energy Future (2009); the book was written by the Committee on America’s Energy future, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Research Council. Even though the information contained in this research project came from reliable sources, the information...
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...INTRODUCTION TO THE SITUATION In this scenario, an investor is considering the purchase of two gas stations and has requested advice about the business feasibility of the venture. This analysis will look at the past, present and potential future demand for gasoline, the availability of sufficient gasoline supply, as well as a recommendation about the desirability of undertaking the venture. Crude oil prices have fluctuated over the past several years, but have steadily risen which translates into a rise of gasoline at the pump. This has made it appear appealing to venture into this business. On the other hand, people are very tired of high fuel prices and how rising fuel prices seem to drive up the price of consumer goods, utilities and touch almost anything consumers would have a desire for. According to an article published on the Forbes website in 2012 [1], the worst is not over. The last two years has proven this not to be true. Although there have been a number of spikes in gas prices, the prices in 2014 have been reported to be the lowest since 2010. This could lead to lower profits for a variety of reason that this paper will examine. Opening up or purchasing one or more gas stations represents a substantial outlay of cash, or obtaining large loans, or a combination of the two. The investment in the gas stations is based upon the premise that the gas stations will produce enough revenue to pay debts, as well as provide enough income to pay off loans or...
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...IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE RISKS RELATING TO: TEVA'S ABILITY TO ACCURATELY PREDICT FUTURE MARKET CONDITIONS, TEVA'S ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE ADDITIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPETING GENERIC EQUIVALENTS, THE EXTENT TO WHICH TEVA MAY OBTAIN U.S. MARKET EXCLUSIVITY FOR CERTAIN OF ITS NEW GENERIC PRODUCTS AND REGULATORY CHANGES THAT MAY PREVENT TEVA FROM UTILIZING EXCLUSIVITY PERIODS, COMPETITION FROM BRAND-NAME COMPANIES THAT ARE UNDER INCREASED PRESSURE TO COUNTER GENERIC PRODUCTS, OR COMPETITORS THAT SEEK TO DELAY THE INTRODUCTION OF GENERIC PRODUCTS, POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR SALES OF GENERIC PRODUCTS PRIOR TO A FINAL RESOLUTION OF OUTSTANDING PATENT LITIGATION, INCLUDING THAT RELATING TO THE GENERIC VERSIONS OF ALLEGRA , NEURONTIN , LOTREL , FAMVIR , AND PROTONIX , THE IMPACT OF CONSOLIDATION OF OUR DISTRIBUTORS AND CUSTOMERS, THE EFFECTS OF COMPETITION ON OUR INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY COPAXONE SALES, THE IMPACT OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY REGULATION AND PENDING LEGISLATION THAT COULD AFFECT THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, THE DIFFICULTY OF PREDICTING U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGENCY AND OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY APPROVALS, THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT AND CHANGES IN THE HEALTH POLICIES AND STRUCTURES OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES, OUR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE EXPECTED RESULTS THOUGH OUR...
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...the US Department of Energy 2010 information, an incredible eighty five percent of the U.S total energy needs are directly related to the use of fossil fuels and seventy percent used for transportation needs. As stated by Lefton, R. & Weiss, D.J. the U.S accounts for three percent of the world’s population, however the U.S gulps down twenty three percent of the world’s oil. To satisfy its thirsty needs the U.S imports fifty seven percent of its oil needs. Fossil fuels come in three different forms, coal, oil and natural gas. This is a result of fossil remains of prehistoric plants and animals that have been in place for millions of years and trapped in sediments and rocks well below the earth surf. The leading exporting of crude oil are Canada, Mexico, ……..(Name top 5) Alternative/renewable energy are common “water cooler” conservation at work and dinner parties, they were also major discussions about alternative/renewable during the last presidential race. As we go about our everyday lives we constantly hear about the subject, from the evening news and our local to national print media. The increased use of alternative/renewable energy can ease the dependency on foreign oil from unstable counties and improve national security. Alternative/renewable would play a key in our efforts to also aid in reversing our global warming trend by reducing green house gases. If funding is increased for research and development it would eventually open new sectors in manufacturing, sales...
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...Internal and External Factors and Management Functions MGT/230 Internal and External Factors and Management Functions A company’s success often rests within its ability to observe and analyze itself, both internally and externally. This is a large undertaking, and must be accomplished carefully, and on a daily basis. When management ignores factors that contribute to the company’s well being, it places the company in jeopardy of failing. Succeeding in business is not an impossible task, but it is most requires consistent tasks. There are internal and external factors that affect a company, such as its internal strengths and weaknesses, and its external opportunities and threats. These factors are found within a company’s SWOT analysis, which are its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. When analyzing these conditions, management should tie these factors into the four functions of management, which are planning, organizing, leading and controlling (Bateman & Snell, 2011, p. 15). Hormel Foods Hormel Foods Corporation is a leading food company that prides itself with its original product branding. The company has a large variety of quality products that carry the company’s brand name. Quality assurance is a key factor in Hormel’s management process, and has become a staple for the brand. This paper will review Hormel’s internal and external factors, and how they relate to the four functions of management...
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...A RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD - FUELING THE FUTURE WITH BIOMASS Malathi.N I year MBA, School of Management Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. ABSTRACT Concerns about the availability and long-term supply of petroleum-derived fuels have caused the search for alternative sources of energy. After a century of unprecedented growth in science, technology, and the economy, we now face tremendous challenges to our ability to fuel the future: a fluctuating oil price, a changing climate, and continued dependence on unreliable energy sources. These problems are increasingly personal, and the demand for solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The ultimate solutions will only come from fundamental innovations in science and technology. Liquid fuels will for some applications be necessary for an indefinite period of time. Therefore, defining relevant feedstocks, producing fuels from these feedstocks and the properties of these fuels are critical issues. The utilization of biomass resources assumes importance due to the soaring crude price and depleting reserves of fossil fuels coupled with the rising environmental concern. Ethanol derived from renewable ligno-cellulosic biomass of non-edible variety has been identified globally as the future solution for meeting the energy demand. Apart from fuel and energy, biomass can also be the source of large number of derivatives. Biomass can be used for fuels, power production, and products that would otherwise be made...
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...However, with this ever growing rate of production due to the increase in technology, the scarcity of this resource proves to be a primary concern for the work force in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and offshore Newfoundland and Labrador; all of which are the major producers of oil and gas in Canada. Alberta for example, which holds the lion’s share of oil reserves in Canada, provides 239,000 jobs to Albertans as well as its oil industry affects the jobs of 112,000 people outside the province. Overall, the entire Canadian industry provides jobs for 550,000...
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...EMERGING ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONFLICTS AS THREAT TO PROSPERITY Biyash Chakraborty MBA- International Business Email: chakraborty.biyash93@gmail.com University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun. (Uttarakhand), INDIA __________________________________________________________________________ Abstract India’s rapid economic growth has made it the second fastest growing energy market in the world. Its domestic and international strategies has produced foreign policy differences with the United States that will require careful management on both sides. India’s basic approach to energy diplomacy has been to develop its supply potential and neutralize its potential competitors, principally China. India’s strategic interest in Iran as its energy partner and then the Iraq crisis are having a negative consequence on its economic prosperity, placing it on crossroads with the US. There is a divide between US and EU about the wisdom and desirability of imposing harsh economic sanctions on Russia. In any such confrontation, EU stands to lose much more than the US, though it can be argued that Russia will be the worst loser. In future, Russia may try to find new potential market for its gas and that could be India. So it is important for India to take its stand on Ukraine crisis carefully without tarnishing its relation with USA. India’s long-term prosperity hinges to some degree on a conflict free neighborhood; that an economically integrated region is in India’s...
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...Magnetic Levitation Emerging Technologies By Nick Presson Introduction Magnetic levitation has been around for years, but with advances in technology it may become a part of everyday life. The main emphasis for magnetic levitation is for transportation. Magnetically levitated ground transportation, or “Maglev”, is an advanced mode of surface high speed transportation whereby a vehicle gliding above a guideway is suspended, guided, and propelled by magnetic forces. Can you imagine a train that that actually floats in air 4 to 6 inches in the air and travels up to 300 mph. This technology can reduce air and highway congestion, air pollution, and petroleum use. Traditional Systems The transportation system in the United States has been much admired around the world. Our extensive highway and air systems have facilitated business and leisure travel and contributed to a high quality of life for many Americans. In 1990, 429 million passengers traveled 342 billion passenger miles on commercial airlines. Americans traveled 2 trillion passenger miles my car, truck, bus, and public transit, and 6.1 billion passenger miles on Amtrak. As population have grown and shifted, however, the traditional systems have become stressed. Congestion on highways and at airports, especially since September 11, not only wastes time and fuel increases, but also constrains mobility to the extent that economic...
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...Andre Henry Prof. Guillaume Teasdale 02-43-244-01 Tues Mar 31, 2015 Americanization in Canada Americanization is the influence of the United States on the culture of another country. The influence extends on another countries cuisine, popular culture, technology, political techniques and business practices. Americanization refers to a process of acculturation by populations to American values and cultures. Canada and the United States are allies and trading partners (Gravelle 135). The two countries share a rich history of cooperation with each other. Cooperation between the two nation has been promoted by the fact that the two countries are neighbors. Canada began developing relationships with the United States after the Canadian confederation. The nation began their reliance on the United States for their national defense. Many Canadians believe that the country’s economic, political and military dependence on the United States would not make a difference in their day to day life activities. The Americans have influence more than the Canadian culture. Aspects in relation to media, economic dependence, American propaganda, artists and political pressure from the United States have made Canada too Americanized. The factors that make Canada too Americanized reflect mainly on the social life witnessed among many Canadians. They are viewed as risk hazards because they threaten the traditions and heritage that define the nation as an independent country. The US and...
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...Alternatives to oil, coal, and natural gas only provide a small proportion of the electricity needed to power U.S. factories, businesses and homes. However, as worries increases over the high costs and environmental effects of reliance on limited natural resources, more Americans are looking to alternative energy for the future. The burning of these fuels causes severe air pollution and thus contributes to the “greenhouse effect.” This enormous amount of consumption will be the ultimate cause of the scarcity of oil in the future and of environmental pollution. If people do not develop any substitutes to burning fossil fuels in the next few decades, people will experience a new and large-scale energy crisis. In the U.S., there is a high demand for gasoline. However, if people start to use alternatives fuel vehicles, it can lower the demand of oil, which will in turn minimize the oil-dependence and potential environmental problems. Jim Motavalli, the editor of E: The Environmental Magazine, once said in his book Forward Drive, that “At long last, technological wizardry is being applied to the automobile, with the result being a new generation of cleaner cars. The gasoline engine represents yesterday’s solution to our transportation problems” (Motavalli, XIII) Today, hybrid cars are the best solution for America’s addiction to fossil fuels because they use clean energy to power vehicles, have compatible performance compared to conventional gasoline and diesel cars, and provide economic...
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...1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Company Overview Blackberry is a brand that was created by Research in Motion's (RIM) Founder Mike Lazaridis in 1996, providing wireless web enabled devices across multiple networks. At the time, Lazaridis was an engineering student at the University of Waterloo while Fregin was an engineering student at the University of Windsor. BlackBerry Limited (BlackBerry), incorporated on February 24, 2003, is a provider of mobile communications. The Company is engaged primarily in the provision of the BlackBerry wireless solution, consisting of smartphones, service and software. The Company's four areas of business are Devices business, Enterprise Services, BlackBerry Technology Solutions (BTS) business and Messaging. The Company's Devices business is focused on delivering smartphone products. BlackBerry's Enterprise Services business offers enterprise products and services. The Company's BTS business consists of five units: QNX Software Systems Limited (QNX), Certicom, Paratek, the BlackBerry Internet of Things (IoT) Platform, and Intellectual Property and Patent Licensing (IPPL). The Company's Messaging business is engaged in providing BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). The Company's smartphones are powered by the BlackBerry 10 operating system (OS). BlackBerry smartphones are available from various carriers and indirect channels, through a range of distribution partners, and are designed to operate on a range of carrier networks, including High Speed Packet Access...
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