How Israel’s Crony Capitalism Undermines Its Reputation as a “Start-up Nation”

By Kristen Carpenter Israel is often nicknamed as the “start-up nation” for its thriving high-tech industries and successful entrepreneurial ventures. Unfortunately, the country is also known for its protectionist policies in the economic sector. A report by the Brookings Institution found that Israeli industries have above-average market concentration rates across all sectors, including manufacturing, real … Continue reading How Israel’s Crony Capitalism Undermines Its Reputation as a “Start-up Nation”

How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation

By Maia Hass As the world becomes more technologically advanced, the online peer-to-peer sharing economy grows with it. In the last decade, digital platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway have introduced more personalized lodging options. However, the unique features associated with these platforms have raised concerns among consumers and legislators about the lack of … Continue reading How Technology is Enabling a Revolution in Effective, Efficient Self-Regulation

Some Regulations Hinder Storm Recovery

By Chad Thomas and Matt Kelly One common policy response to hurricanes is to strengthen building codes. Former FEMA chairman Craig Fugate blames inadequate state and local building codes, rather than inept federal government disaster relief efforts, for the woeful response to Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, building code enforcement was enhanced in … Continue reading Some Regulations Hinder Storm Recovery

The Per Business Regulatory Burden: Ranking Florida’s Local Governments

By Matt Kelly and Tyler Worthington The dramatic increase in federal government regulation has been well documented by economists and journalists, as has its detrimental effects on economic growth. The DeVoe Moore Center has constructed assorted measures of state and local regulatory restrictiveness. This article focused on revenues collected per business on the local level … Continue reading The Per Business Regulatory Burden: Ranking Florida’s Local Governments

New Report Analyzes Tallahassee’s Permitting Process

By Matt Kelly An efficient regulatory process is essential to the business development strategies of cities like Tallahassee, Florida. Regulations that are too cumbersome or unnecessary increase the cost of doing business without serving the public interest. The growth and negative impact of regulatory accumulation at the federal level has been well documented, but local … Continue reading New Report Analyzes Tallahassee’s Permitting Process

Occupational Licensing For Florida’s Barbers Does More Harm Than Good

By Jamaal Gill   The rise of occupational licensing has become a major concern to Florida’s businesses. These regulations affect everyone from doctors to restauranteurs; barbers to financial advisors. The main justifications for occupational licensing are the promotion of consumer welfare, public health, and a higher quality service. However, in many professions, occupational licensing keeps … Continue reading Occupational Licensing For Florida’s Barbers Does More Harm Than Good

Uber Wars Transcend Party Lines

Original post date: September 08, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas High-ranking Republican officials have recently come out in support of Uber, the innovative but legally-troubled ridesharing app that connects drivers and passengers. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus penned an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune lambasting Democratic leadership for being “less than hospitable to Uber.” … Continue reading Uber Wars Transcend Party Lines

Customers Rise Up to Support Taxi Innovator

Original post date: November 19, 2013 Article by: Ben Douglas Finding a more textbook example of regulatory capture than the taxicab industry is difficult, as the case of the innovative on-demand taxi service Uber clearly demonstrates. Despite the highly regulated nature of the American taxicab industry, newcomer Uber continues to grow, due partly to its … Continue reading Customers Rise Up to Support Taxi Innovator