IBM CEO: Obama's Proposed IT Investment Could Create 900,000 Jobs

Posted on January 12th, 2009, by Stuart Freiman

General Discussion

IBM CEO: Obama's Proposed IT Investment Could Create 900,000 Jobs

Washington, D.C. -- A plan by President-elect Barack Obama to invest $30 billion to improve the nation's IT infrastructure could lead to more than 900,000 new jobs, according to the head of Armonk-based IBM. The company's CEO, Samuel Palmisano, made his pronouncement during a conference call with Obama's transition team, which had asked the computing giant to analyze the impact of proposed IT investments. Working with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, IBM found that the jobs could be created through $10 billion investments each to expand access to broadband networks, computerize healthcare records and employ "smart grid" equipment designed to make the flow of electricity more efficient. Money for the projects potentially would come out of Obama's proposed economic stimulus plan. Palmisano said that more than half the jobs would come from small businesses, according to the Journal.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2009/jan/06bcrisis-it-aid-to-create-9-lakh-jobs-in-us.htm

Nothing like access to money to stir a conversation. With Obama's inauguration looming, there has been an incredible amount of national discussion -- particularly focused at the state level -- around economic stimulus programs to spur job creation and help stem the tide of the down economy (contrary to popular belief, RI isn't the only state in a mess). If anybody has big tech sector (or other sector) ideas for projects that stimulate job growth and economic development, now is the time to get them on the table. Anybody want to start the ball rolling and share their ideas publically (or privately)?...Stuart

Comments

Ed M

Submitted on January 26th, 2009 - 9:30pm link

I think RI should be the first state to start building the Northeast Electric Vehicle Corridor. I think RI should replace it's oil based car infrastructure with one based on electric vehicles similar to what Better Place proposes. I think RI should create a solar power electric grid.

There are several reasons why RI is the perfect state for such a revolution. First we have several companies with expertise to build an electric grid based upon solar power. Second, the average commute time for Rhode Islanders is about 22 minutes well within the range of current electric vehicle capabilities. In addition we are located within the Boston-New York-D.C. transportation corridor. Third, we have local expertise in various electric car systems. This collection of local experts in both solar cells and electric vehicles is advantageous for first movers. Fourth, RI has it own car port located at Quonset Point.

Such an undertaking would require an "all hands on deck" effort bringing in everyone from community organizations to local and regional companies. To make such bold changes a coalition from every aspect of the automobile economy will need to participate. This is what I propose.

JVan

Submitted on January 26th, 2009 - 11:26pm link

and, of course, there's RI's distinct "character". Between the progressive-types, indendent-minded folks, and just plain crazy folk, there's about 25% of the driving population right there. I can envision a lot of those types taking up with something like an electric car, if it's marketed right....

muse_en_lystrala

Submitted on July 5th, 2010 - 11:47am link

They were becoming quite popular in western MA in late 2009, and it appears they are catching on in the Boston area as well.

Ed M

Submitted on May 1st, 2009 - 8:31am link

Inhabitat reports that both San Francisco and Portland are vying to be the first cities with Electric Vehicle (EV) Grid. Rhode Island could be the first state with an entire Electric Vehicle industry/economy/community and a renewable energy grid!

Ed M

Submitted on July 3rd, 2010 - 8:55am link

Washington State is working on turning Interstate 5 into an electric car corridor. I still believe that RI, along with CT, MA, NY, NJ, DE, MD, DC (Boston-to-DC), would also make a great corridor. Electric charging stations could be added to the Interstate/Parkway gas stations in CT, NJ and the one on I-95 heading towards Boston.

One partner in this project could be Providence's own elecar founded by Brown University student Andrew Antar.