Drones Hit New Turf: U.S. Farmland
– May 7, 2013
Farmers are starting to investigate the use of drones for a decidedly nonmilitary purpose: monitoring crops and spraying pesticides. As the spring growing season unfolds, universities already are working with agricultural groups to experiment with different types of unmanned aircraft outfitted with sensors and other technologies to measure and protect crop health.
The Future of E-Government in Saskatchewan
– April 2, 2013
The strength of the Saskatchewan economy is exhilarating. Saskatchewan should take advantage of its relatively worriless situation and implement innovative measures to maintain long-term prosperity. One such measure is a world-class e-government. Saskatchewan placed tenth within Canada for the quality of e-government, outperforming only Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Media Release - Alternative Roles for the National Broadcaster
– April 1, 2013
This policy study examines the original rationale for a national public broadcaster, assesses the impact of changes in technology over the ensuing years and then examines whether there is still a role for the CBC to play given these developments.
Options for the CBC
– April 1, 2013
Based on a historical analysis of the original role for a national public broadcaster, Roland Renner assesses how improving technology has affected the CBC and takes a look at five potential alternatives for bringing the CBC in to the modern world. Renner looks at five potential proposals, ranging from abandoning the idea of a public broadcaster entirely, to making only minor changes to the current system, before making a final recommendation.
Marissa Mayer's Misstep And The Unstoppable Rise Of Telecommuting
– April 1, 2013
The real issue is how we deal with three concerns: the promotion of families; humane methods to reduce greenhouse gases; and, finally, how to expand the geography of work and opportunity.
Media Release - Saskatchewan Can Take the Lead
– March 25, 2013
Using the European state of Estonia as a model, this study shows how Saskatchewan has an opportunity to place itself at the front of the pack delivering services and fostering greater entrepreneurship among Canadian governments by enhancing its e-Government services.
The Future of E-Government in Saskatchewan
– March 25, 2013
Making improvements and maximising the delivery of government services through the Internet allowing citizens to manage their own interactions with government can bring significant savings, spark greater citizen interaction with government reducing apathy, and foster a climate in which business and enterprise can benefit and become more competitive.
Life Without a Microwave
– February 6, 2013
Last week, my family’s microwave broke down after 15 years of faithful service. That incident might sound trivial to you. I’m sure it is trivial to you. But it made me aware of how valuable a microwave has been to us. And our week without a microwave taught me a lot about the value of microwaves—and can teach us more generally about the value of economic freedom.
Infostructure Is the New Infrastructure
– October 16, 2012
Among advocates of big government and Keynesian countercyclical stimulus, one subject keeps coming up: infrastructure. They're always arguing the short- and long-term benefits of building new highways, bridges, tunnels, urban light-rail systems, or, the Holy Grail itself, a national high-speed rail network.
The Real Time Ridesharing Revolution: Half Time Break
– October 4, 2012
David Seymour evaluates his earlier prediction that ubiquitous smart phones will transform the taxi industry by analyzing the current market and regulatory environment.
Google vs. Telco and Cable
– September 11, 2012
Roland Renner shows that Google’s deployment of Fibre to the home (FTTH) In Kansas City has the potential to challenge the dominance of telecommunication and cable incumbent providers.
The End of TV and the Death of the Cable Bundle
– July 26, 2012
Two small pieces of news yesterday could make for a big headache for TV.
How to keep up with World-leading Internet Technology
– June 1, 2012
In order to keep up with world-leading developments in internet technology, Canada will need to create a policy climate that unlocks the innovation and solutions that only competition can bring.
Media Release - Canada has Fallen Behind in Crucial Segment of the Telecom Sector
– April 27, 2012
Canada will need to adapt to the winds of change sweeping across the globe if t is to remain competitive in the challenging world of high speed internet. A close look at the international experience of several countries that are ahead offer some solid clues as to the path Canada should take.
Rebuilding the Last Mile
– April 27, 2012
Canada has fallen behind the times in the area of high speed internet, where it once was a leader. To recover our former place, this study argues, a policy framework that encourages competition and allow third party companies to challenge incumbents will be necessary.
17 Reasons to be Cheerful
– April 23, 2012
April's Reader's Digest carries an article based on excerpts from my book and an interview with me: "The world has never been a better place to live in," says science writer Matt Ridley, "and it will keep on getting better."
BBC says TV is Having its 'Kodak Moment'
– March 26, 2012
The BBC on Thursday used Kodak's recent Chapter 11 filing to send a warning to service providers: do not fall into the trap of marginalising innovative technologies over fears it will cannibalise your core business.
Why Can’t We get Hulu, Pandora and other Over the Top (OTT) Internet Services in Canada?
– March 16, 2012
The growth of internet video and music sites are growing. Sites like Netflix and Rogers Anyplace TV are making a splash in Canada. But why don't Canadians have access to other sites such as Hulu and Pandora? The answer is a combination of regulation and ownership issues. Until there are changes made to the way distribution rights are negotiated, many of these services will remain unavailable to Canadians.
The Rise of Consumption Equality
– January 12, 2012
It used to be so cool to be wealthy—an elite education, exclusive mobile communications, a private screening room, a table at Annabel's on London's Berkeley Square. Now it's hard to swing a cat without hitting yet another diatribe against income inequality. People sleep in tents to protest that others are too damn wealthy.
There is More at Stake in Internet Pricing than Watching Movies
– July 29, 2011
In Bell Canada’s proposed Usage Based Billing (UBB), there is more at stake than just the cost of internet fees for high users. |
