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Immigrants play a vital role in innovation activities and entrepreneurship. Given the substantial contribution of immigrants in these areas, a set of natural questions arise: What are the pathways that high-skilled immigrants take to arrive in the United States, and how has the importance of these pathways changed over time? What are important institutions that serve as gatekeepers for high-skilled immigrants, and do they affect the types of immigrant founders that come to the United States? Do certain parts of the United States benefit disproportionately from high-skilled immigration, and if so, what are some factors that contribute to these benefits? The answers to these questions have important implications for designing immigration policy and regulation, which have become increasingly acrimonious topics in public discourse. They also have important implications for firms and universities that recruit talent from abroad and for the communities that hope to promote vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. To answer these questions, the authors studied immigrant entrepreneurs backed by venture capital (VC). From a policy perspective, the results emphasize the importance of immigrant entrepreneurs as founders of startups with high growth potential. [This research brief is based on Natee Amornsiripanitch, Paul A. Gompers, George Hu, and Kaushik Vasudevan, "Getting Schooled: The Role of Universities in Attracting Immigrant Entrepreneurs," NBER Working Paper no. 28773, May 2021.]

GAO-04-109 November 21, 2003 Congress established the HOPE VI program in 1992 to revitalize severely distressed public housing by demolition, rehabilitation, or replacement of sites. In fiscal years 1993-2001, the [...]

GAO-03-555 May 30, 2003 Congress established the HOPE VI program to revitalize severely distressed public housing. In fiscal years 1993 to 2001, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) [...]

This report examines private sector engagement in youth mentoring across the United States, starting with an overview of the youth mentoring movement, then offering perspectives on trends and best practices in corporate engagement and snapshots of a range of initiatives. The information provided in this report is based on a series of structured interviews MENTOR conducted with 18 of the nation's leading mentoring efforts in the private sector. These interviews explored: (1) Companies' motivations for getting involved in mentoring; (2) The ways mentoring benefits companies and their employees; (3) The myriad approaches companies take to support programs and meet youth needs; (4) How companies leverage their strengths to maximize impact; and (5) The biggest challenges and successes to date. Representatives from leading youth-serving organizations and MENTOR's network of affiliate Mentoring Partnerships were consulted to get their perspectives on corporate engagement and support in the mentoring field. This report offers a fascinating look at the many ways that corporate America is engaging, supporting and participating in the youth mentoring movement. The hope is that these case studies, program profiles and insights from the field will inspire others--from Fortune 500 companies to local and regional business--to get involved in mentoring in a variety of ways. The stories of these 18 corporate youth mentoring leaders paint a clear picture of a growing movement. They also provide valuable examples, information and advice for those who are thinking about getting off the sidelines and making a profound difference in the lives of youth.

Into early 2010, more than two years after the recession began, the American economy continues to send out mixed signals with respect to economic recovery: GDP (gross domestic product) growth looks set to recover, while unemployment is projected to remain high for many more years. The most important economic matter facing the country is job creation, not only in terms of employment itself but also for boosting sectors such as housing, which will not fully recover until job creation recovers. Discussions about jump-starting the U.S. economy--both from policymakers and pundits--primarily focus on measures that would expand job growth in existing companies. This report, the third in the Kauffman Foundation Research Series on Firm Formation and Economic Growth, draws on a new set of data, a special tabulation conducted by the Census Bureau at the request of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, calculated from the Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) database. While previous research has emphasized the importance of new and young companies to job creation overall, this paper focuses on "high-growth firms"--the so-called "gazelles" that, despite their relatively small numbers, nonetheless account for a disproportionate share of job creation. The data generally show that: (1) In any given year, the top-performing 1 percent of firms generate roughly 40 percent of new job creation; and (2) Fast-growing young firms, comprising less than 1 percent of all companies, generate roughly 10 percent of new jobs in any given year. This paper examines the relevance of these points in the national discussion on job creation. When the current conversation turns to small business as an instigator in economic growth, it still emphasizes existing firms. But a new discussion--one that not only promotes entrepreneurship, but, specifically, "high-growth" entrepreneurship--is necessary, because top-performing companies are the most fruitful source of new jobs and offer the economy's best hope for recovery. Finally, this paper recommends strategies policymakers could follow to facilitate the creation and growth of more gazelle companies: (1) Remove barriers that potentially block the emergence of high-growth companies; (2) Focus on taxation, regulation, immigration, access to capital, and academic commercialization; and (3) Target immigrant entrepreneurs and universities, which may be likely sources for high-growth firms. (Contains 7 figures and 23 footnotes.)

In the context of the last two years' recession, parents, teachers and administrators seem to increasingly welcome school-business "partnerships" that they hope may help ward off program cuts. Businesses encourage such arrangements because school-based marketing and advertising programs are perfectly poised to "brand" children at an early age: the school environment is relatively uncluttered, children are a captive and credulous audience, and marketing and advertising programs are normalized and lent legitimacy when they are embedded into the school context. Embedded advertising, in the forms of product placement and consumer events, is not new, but it has become the dominant advertising medium in 2010 and continues to expand. When advertising is embedded in a film, music video, or school activity, it is entwined with content that children seek out and engage with for extended periods of time. In schools, embedded advertising appears in such activities as corporate-sponsored contests, programs, lesson plans, and fundraising efforts. Students are generally unable to avoid these activities; moreover, they tend to assume that what their teachers and schools present to them is in their best interest. Adolescents, traditionally considered the least vulnerable of children, may in fact be more vulnerable than their younger counterparts because their developmental stage makes them more susceptible to embedded advertising that targets their identity formation and reduced impulse control. Most significantly, embedded advertising works--so much so that corporations are willing to spend billions of dollars on it annually. Often when stakeholders consider the pros and cons of bringing commercial programs into schools, they rationalize that children are already exposed to so much marketing and advertising in their out-of-school lives that a little more won't hurt them--particularly if it brings needed money into the schools. This report examines the psychology of embedded advertising to show how it does, in fact, both influence children's brand attitudes and harm them psychologically in a variety of ways. Advertising makes children want more, eat more, and think that their self-worth can and should come from commercial products. It heightens their insecurities, distorts their gender socialization, and displaces the development of values and activities other than those associated with commercialism. Its greatest advantage is that stakeholders, including the children themselves, discount its effectiveness. Despite the foothold that marketing and advertising currently have in schools, opposition this year in the United States, England and Ireland demonstrate that committed advocates can effectively challenge educators to evaluate and justify the commercial promotions they allow in their schools. Discussion and concern about the fairness of embedded advertising in entertainment contexts has led to talk of how to regulate it on television. Attention to and concern about embedded advertising should also inform conversations about the policies that enable school-based marketing programs and about the potential of those marketing programs to harm children. A list of websites is appended. (Contains 1 table and 132 notes.)

The issue of credentialing and certification has become a major topic of discussion in America's community colleges. At the heart of this issue is the movement of private sector companies into areas previously viewed as the province of higher education: education and training, assessment of competencies, and the awarding of credentials that carry respect and value in the marketplace. This movement has led to competition between traditional education providers and newer adult certification centers. These white papers present a review of colloquia sponsored by two affiliated councils of AACC--the National Council on Occupation education (NCOE) and the National Council for Continuing Education and Training (NCCET). The papers argue that the rapid rise of the information technology industry has accelerated the demand for certification programs. Companies say they hope to hire an additional 900,000 workers, but of this total, 425,000 positions will go unfilled because of a lack of applicants with requisite skills. The papers define issues of immediacy and issues of long-range significance for AACC. Among the short-term issues is the need for continued regional and national meetings, and the need to work with the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to increase funding for efforts in credentialing and certification. (NB)

Reports on the rise of the net profit of British telecommunication firm BT Group during the third quarter ending on December 31, 2003. Factors contributing to the profit rise; Financial performance compared to last year; Market share for directory enquiries.

Of major concern to United States position and policy in the telecommunications and information areas is "transborder data flow," the transferring of computer stored data between nations. Many European nations, including France, Austria, and West Germany, have enacted laws regulating the flow of information leaving the country where it would disrupt privacy. The bulk of automated data bases are located in the United States, which completely controls or manipulates most data exchanges between the U.S. and its partners. The U.S. is concerned that these protection laws, particularly those extended to "legal" persons such as corporations and institutions, will disrupt commerce and put American remote data processing at a disadvantage. Privacy protection for a country's citizens thus doubles as protection for its domestic computer industries. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, representing 24 industrialized countries, has drafted guidelines for maximum standards of privacy protection to remove unjustified obstacles to transborder information flow, particularly of personal data. In the U.S., development of sound international communications policy has been disrupted by attention to domestic communications, although measures are pending in Congress. The U.S. delegation to a meeting of the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade will propose making services subject to agreements now governing commodity trade in the hope of guarding against further international constraints on American information services. (HTH)

The article presents an economic outlook in Israel. Based on the monthly trade data, the Israeli export has improved in March 2009. The value of goods exported on February 2009 have increased to 24.4 percent. However, the country encountered a decline on the value of export sales on a year-on-year basis.

Reports on the financial results of U.S.-based Hewlett-Packard Co. for the third quarter ending July 31, 2003. Lower than expected results; Factors affecting results; Forecast for fourth quarter 2003.

The article presents the discussion on Central Asian countries seeking to diversify their trade relationships and establish transit routes that bypass Russia. Topics include experts questioning the long-term viability of Russia-led multilateral organizations including the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization; and raising concerns among some analysts about Central Asia's susceptibility to Russian propaganda and disinformation.

The article presents the discussion on prices of aircraft featuring difficulty in the context of a global economic slowdown and inevitably causing problems for regional trade flows in terms of actual traffic.

The article reports that the Department of Earth Sciences at Stellenbosch University report an eventful end to the first semester, with most of planned teaching and research activities completed despite the ongoing Covid 3rd wave. Topics include examines that Lyndon de Meillon led through the geology of the trapsites associated with the Orange and Vaal River diamond megaplacer system, further provide detailed insight into the nuances of the smallscale diamond business.

How did US regional economies perform recently? What are the key factors driving their growth and decline? The Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities series has tracked the economic performance of US metros for two decades using job, wage and salary, and high-tech gross domestic product (GDP) indicators. Metros are ranked on their performance, while indicators help identify the drivers behind their success or failure. With this publication, we hope metros will learn from others' experiences and enhance urban economies in the long run., Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 Best-Performing Large City 2 Biggest Gains 3 Best-Performing Small City 3 INTRODUCTION 4 An Emphasis on Outcomes 5 National Economic Conditions 6 Biggest Gains [...]

The article presents an interview with Andreas Georghiou, CEO of Spacenet Inc. When asked about what impact will the Cisco deal have for Spacenet, Georghiou says it is a growth opportunity because it enables them to provide services and equipment that enable the business continuity concept to be there. When asked about what opportunities he sees in Internet protocol services, he states that it is an efficient way of delivering content to the end user.

Focuses on the need for the software market to achieve the best return on investment for its shareholders. Importance of a strategic decision; Ways to safeguard shareholder value; Hope for the software market.

A business analysis of the West Caribbean area for the third quarter of 2014 is provided, focusing on the economic and political strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) faced by the countries, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Barbados.

The article offers business news briefs as of August 2013 related to South East Asian countries including Vietnam and Thailand have raised their strategic partnerships focusing on regional and international cooperation on political and economic issues, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has become first female defense minister of Thailand and Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. is planning to execute a business expansion into Myanmar.

The article provides information on economic and political conditions in Angola and the climate for investment and trade in May 2011. It includes topics such as domestic politics, international relations, economic policy trends, and forecasts of risk. The country's political framework is also discussed. Data and charts about the country's economy are provided.

The article presents a country report for Brazil as of September 2011. It discusses the controversies that afflict the administration of President Dilma Rousseff such as the disquiet within the Partido do Movimento Democrático Brasileiro (PMDB) and its effects on the investment in the country. It also describes the condition of the country that will affect investment and trade with focus on economic barriers, bureaucratic obstacles, and labor conditions.

The article describes the investment and trade conditions of China as November 2008. Major foreign investments are based in the coastal areas of China such as Guangdong, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Shandong. The country's Foreign Investment Catalogue is modified every few years and supplemented by directives from different agencies. Foreign investors in China are allowed to access foreign exchange for current account transactions like repatriating profits and capital account transactions.

Presents updates on the political, economic and business conditions in Nicaragua as of July 1, 2004. Support given by President Enrique Bolaños to an electoral alliance of six parties that will fight the November 2004 municipal elections; Impact of the rising world oil prices on domestic consumer prices; Uncertainty in the investor community caused by the ongoing dispute for power by ex-presidents Daniel Ortega and Arnoldo Alemán.

This article talks about country risk in Estonia as of April-May, 2003. The three-party government was sworn in mid-April. The short-term political risk rating rose to 78.0 from 76.0 as the government holds a comfortable majority in the Riigikogu. The Central party, which lacking hope to win the election will form the majority of opposition. The business environment rating rose to 67.5 from 66.5 as a World Economic Forum report showed Estonia at the forefront of mobile and Internet technology.

Presents risk ratings for Nicaragua as of April 2003. Details of several allegations against Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolaños and the vice president; Information on the short-term economic rating in Nicaragua; Decline in the business environment rating in Nicaragua.

The article presents information on Slovakia's politics and government. It offers a detailed information on the country's current internal and external political condition and climate. It also provides a background on the current government reform and how its policy affects its relation to business.

The article presents information on the Philippines. It provides an overview of the current political, economic and business environment in the country, as well as discussion of the nation's geography, demographic characteristics, government structure, major trading partners and prospects for future economic growth.

The article provides an overview of the economic and political conditions in Ireland from 2006 to 2007. It discusses some of the political events in the country and its implications for the country's economic growth. The country's political and economic structure are described. It also offers a look at the business and investment conditions in the country.

Discusses issues related to forecasting. Evolution of business forecasting function; Link between sales and operations planning and forecasting; Factors that influence forecasting.

Presents news on the international automotive industry recent as of November 2004. Installation of the automotive crash notification system in the 2005 models of General Motors; Customer satisfaction rating garnered by the tire products of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Listing of Indian car company Tata Motors' stocks in the New York Stock Exchange.

The article presents the discussion on Delta Aerospace specialized in the technical and financial asset tracking and evaluation of commercial and business aircraft minimizing financial risk and ensuring aircraft assets.

Reports business and political developments in Hong Kong, China as of the April 1999. Includes the reaction of property developers on the awarding of the Cyperport project to Pacific Century; Efforts of the government to stabilize property prices; Agreement between Hong Kong Telecom and Microsoft; Partnership between Yahoo! and SmarTone Mobile Communications.

Presents information on issues concerning businesses in the Russian Federation. Rejection of a tax law provision by the Constitutional Court; Problem of missing tax payments; Rejection by the Federal Securities Commission of a proposed share issues by oil companies Sibneft and Sidanko.

The article presents a report on federal, international, and state laws that govern the U.S. trade secret protection. Topics discussed include the steps to be taken to reduce the problems of trade secret theft that affects the U.S. business industry, the use of advanced computer technologies and mobile communication device making it unable to detect the culprit, and the Economic Espionage Act that permits the prosecution of anyone who engages in such thefts.

The article presents the discussion on Speedcast's CEO Joe Spytek outlining the theme of Speedcast transforming the business and software-defined technologies improvement focusing on profitable and recurring revenue.

Focuses on the economic policy of South Korea. Failure of the macroeconomic policy to spur growth; Property concerns of the government; House prices.

Presents updates on the political, economic and business conditions in Argentina as of November 1, 2004. Impact of the emergence of various political parties on democracy; Decision of Spanish oil company Repsol to invest in the country in order to expand a natural gas pipeline; Growth in tax returns as a result of continued economic recovery throughout the year.

The article presents the report "Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests" released by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) as of September 27, 2012. Topics discussed include the close ties pursued by the U.S. towards Armenia for encouraging its democratization, close ties fostered by the U.S. towards these states to end their dependency on Russia for trade, and equipments provided by the U.S. military to Georgia's military.

The article discusses some of the key points of debate for the U.S. regarding the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). It explores the scope of the proposed agreement. Elements of debate include the absence of developing country participation and the selection of certain countries as participants in the ACTA. The impact of ACTA negotiation on legitimate trade and consumer activity is also examined.

Voters in the French-speaking province of Quebec will soon decide whether or not to secede from Canada. In 1980, after a similar referendum was soundly rejected, separatists blamed defeat on fears that sovereignty in Quebec would lead to economic hardship. To lure voters this time, the ruling Parti Quebecois promises to maintain close relations with Canada after independence. But this pledge may prove empty, as English Canada is showing signs of frustration over Quebec's constant demands for special treatment. With most opinion polls indicating a close vote on Oct. 30, U.S. officials are remaining diplomatically silent about what happens in Canada. But the stakes are large: Canada is the United States' biggest trading partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of strong opposition from preservationists, the Walt Disney Co. recently abandoned plans to build a $650 million history theme park in Virginia's heritage-rich Piedmont. The company's pullout pointed to the preservation movement's increasing clout, but it also raised two longstanding criticisms: that preservationists are anti-development and that they tend to embrace elitist values. Preservationists respond that most of the nation's designated historic sites actually reflect the accomplishments and views of a broad cross-section of American society, and that the anti-Disney campaign succeeded because it had grass-roots support all across the country. One thing seems likely: As preservationists increasingly challenge business interests over quality-of-life issues, additional battles are inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on CAGNY investment conference this week and Simon Harvey reflects on the US giant's presentation and at its core, the strategy was an aim to change perceptions of Kellogg as a purely cereal-centric business, traditionally known for its Special K, Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes. It includes the strategy, which is encompassed a greater focus on developing markets, along with more aggressive marketing campaigns and brand building.

July 2013 We are so glad you are reading this report, and we hope you will play a role either in expanding investment in community development finance or in expanding [...]

GAO-10-654 June 16, 2010 In 2006, Congress passed the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE), giving preferential access to U.S. imports of Haitian apparel. In 2008, Congress amended [...]

Mobile TV and video are relatively new additions to the mobile content landscape, yet they have been touted by many in the mobile industry as the grand hope for recouping [...]

GAO-06-163 December 9, 2005 In 2003, Congress reauthorized HOPE VI, a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and designed to improve the nation's worst public [...]