Jump-Starting America

Jump-Starting America examines the history of American technological innovation and economic growth, with particular focus on the scientific research and development that transformed the nation after World War II. The authors analyze how government investment and public-private partnerships created breakthrough technologies and established the United States as a global leader in innovation. The book outlines a plan to revitalize the American economy through strategic investment in scientific research across different regions of the country. Gruber and Johnson identify 102 potential "growth poles" - cities and metropolitan areas with existing scientific and educational infrastructure that could become new technology hubs. Drawing from historical examples and economic research, the authors make a case for increased federal funding of basic research and development. Their analysis encompasses job creation, economic mobility, and the relationship between public investment and private sector innovation. The work speaks to fundamental questions about America's economic future and the role of government in fostering technological progress. Through its examination of past successes and current challenges, the book contributes to ongoing debates about how to maintain U.S. leadership in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed history of American innovation and concrete proposals for revitalizing research and development across different U.S. regions. Many note the accessibility of complex economic concepts and thorough documentation of how government-funded research led to major technological breakthroughs. Common criticisms include that the proposed solutions feel oversimplified and the writing can be repetitive. Some readers found the focus too academic and wanted more practical implementation details. A frequent comment is that while the historical analysis is strong, the recommendations for future innovation hubs lack sufficient consideration of political obstacles. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (196 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (92 ratings) Sample review: "Excellent on diagnosis, presenting compelling data about declining U.S. research investment. But handwaves away serious challenges in executing their ambitious regional development plan." - Amazon reviewer "The historical examples are fascinating but the proposed solutions seem naive about local politics and implementation challenges." - Goodreads reviewer

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💡 Authors Gruber and Johnson propose creating 102 new technology hubs across America, specifically in cities with populations between 100,000 and 1 million people. 🎓 Jonathan Gruber served as a key architect of both Massachusetts healthcare reform ("Romneycare") and the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"). 📊 The book reveals that in 1964, the U.S. government funded 67% of all R&D, while today that number has fallen below 28%. 🌎 Simon Johnson previously served as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund and is a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management. 🚀 The authors point to the post-WWII era as America's "golden age" of public research investment, when government funding led to breakthroughs like GPS, touchscreens, and the internet.