The following are the ten most important economic issues American government should focus on moving forward, in my opinion. Some speak directly about economics, and others, such as education and cyber-security, impact it indirectly.
1.) Adopt an energy policy centralized around alternative fuels, primarily algae biofuels, solar, and wind energy. Government subsidies and sponsorships of programs, such as space-based solar, are imperative.
2.) Increase productivity in three ways. A.) Through infrastructure development (high speed trains, research into alternative means of transportation). B.) Encouraging the use of collaboration technologies, and C.) reducing the cost of communication.
3.) Encourage innovation, across the spectrum. Cherish it, reward it, make it easier, and retain it as the central aspect of economic growth. Achieve this with a focus on opensource technology and crowdsourcing. The private sector is inevitably moving in this direction, but the government is responsible for expediting the process and serving as a model.
4.) Reduce the deficit by reducing the size of government moving forward. Hike taxes and decrease government spending.
5.) Increase cyber security and hold nations responsible if they hack into our systems. Protection of our private intellectual property is a core function of economic growth. Companies and citizens alike need to know its protected and that there are consequences for those who violate it.
6.) Improve education in math at the K-12 level by raising salaries for math teachers. See Jim Simons' "Math for America" for a model which is feasible and pragmatic.
7.) Increase capital market efficiency by collaborating with foreign nations to provide an easy gateway for the private sector to invest abroad.
8.) Increase immigration to the U.S. The greater our labor force, the higher our GDP, the faster our nation grows.
9.) Retain foreigners in the U.S. who receive higher level education here.
10.) Increase savings and investment and wean America off our current economic model, which relies heavily on consumption.
