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Here at The Center for Growth and Opportunity, we have a unique way of confronting challenges. Relentless optimism. Bold commitment. Fearless innovation. We want to leave the world a better place than when we got here. Whether it’s our award-winning students, or our world-class researchers, we look to work together to find creative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. We’re committed to turning ideas into action.

Op-ed: Why are states chasing away robot dogs?

Sony re-released an updated version of aibo. The robotic “canine” is built for companionship, using A.I. to remember different people.

Dr. John B. Taylor Delivers George S. Eccles Memorial Lecture in Economics

On March 26, 2019, the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University welcomed noted economist and scholar, Dr. John B. Taylor, to speak at the George S. Eccles Memorial Lecture in Economics. Dr.

VIDEO: Interview with Dr. John B. Taylor

Frank Caliendo sat down with Dr. John B. Taylor to discuss the US national debt, spending, Social Security, and the outlook for the economy.

Op-ed: We can’t copy China’s game plan if we want to beat them to 5G

In the race to 5G, China is winning. The United States was slow out of the gate and is now playing catch up.

Op-ed: Why rent control won’t protect the poorest

Policies that increase the supply of housing are more promising alternatives that the state should consider.

Op-ed: Our Climate Solution? It May Be Written In the Stars

While many innovators have turned their attention to carbon emissions, some are turning to the stars for answers. Literally.

Smith Testifies before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee

Josh Smith, from the CGO, testified before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on February 13, 2019.

closeup image of an individuals hands braiding hair

Op-ed: Onerous Iowa Occupational Licensing Laws Limit Opportunity and Cost Millions

Allowing more people to practice their trade without bureaucratic requirements for licenses will only make Iowa more prosperous.

image of a border wall construction site

Op-ed: Walls Don’t Stop Migrants, But Tariffs Might

Trump wants to build a wall along the U.S. border to prevent illegal immigration. But it’s unlikely he’ll receive congressional approval.

CGO Launches Experimental Economics Program

The Center for Growth and Opportunity the creation of a new experimental economics program at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at USU.

Image of border patrol officer looking out across the border

Op-ed: The Wall Won’t Work

Will the wall provide the protections it is meant to? Research suggests that border walls are expensive and ineffective.

Op-ed: Licensing hurts, not helps, Utahns

As Utah’s legislators meet, they should consider policies that allow people to enter the workforce and contribute to Utah’s growing economy.

Determining the right strategy for handling general contractors

Op-ed: The right strategy for handling general contractors

As the Idaho housing market booms, complaints about substandard general contractors and shoddy building practices are on the rise.

Op-ed: Banning flavored tobacco and vaping products does more harm than good

California lawmakers have a goal to limit underage smoking. However, attempts to ban flavored tobacco are unlikely to curb youth smoking.

Op-ed: Act Now to Keep Housing More Affordable

Utah’s future economic vitality depends on changes that would make Utah’s housing market more flexible and more affordable.

Government shutdown is hurting national parks

Op-ed: The Shutdown is Ruining Our National Parks

As the government shutdown drags on in DC, it is being felt thousands of miles away in America’s beloved national parks.

Op-ed: Lessons to take from drones shutting down Gatwick airport

Holiday travel havoc is expected. While computers and weather are the usual culprits, this past holiday season saw a new menace: drones.

Op-ed: Google and Facebook’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Controlling their Platforms…

Sundar Pichai’s testimony before the House Committee last week is just another example of a tech company responding to bias accusations.

Image of President Trump signing legislation

Op-ed: Trump is wrong about coal subsidies

Bernard McNamee was narrowly confirmed as the newest member of FERC. His nomination process sparked a firestorm of controversy.

image of an individual behind a barbwire fence

Op-ed: We should be welcoming these families, not tear gassing them

What drives people to face the danger of walking thousands of miles, taking on the U.S. military, and facing down tear gas to enter America?

image of large machinery with coal in the backround

Op-ed: Why the Trump Administration Should Stop Propping Up Coal

Coal certainly faces many regulations, but it’s primarily the efficiency of the market putting coal out of business.

Op-ed: Don’t Fret the Lame Duck

As the dust settles on the midterm elections, Congress has returned to Washington to wrap up unfinished business in a lame-duck session.

Op-ed: The Many Benefits Immigrants Bring to the US

Those who support restricting immigration claim that our economy is already at full employment. But restrictionism would hurt the economy.

Op-ed: Ocasio-Cortez is Right: Amazon Subsidies Do More Harm Than Good

In a world where it seems like we agree on less and less, eliminating policies this bad should be something we can all get behind.

Op-ed: New Incentives Can Help Protect Endangered Species

The ESA is a foundational law, but like many other regulations, it isn’t perfect. Efforts to improve it should involve more people

Op-ed: Reducing the Ethanol Mandate is Smart Environmental Policy

Following the boom in oil production from the hydraulic fracturing revolution, environmental protection outstripped energy independence.

Op-ed: Cafe Standards vs. Economics

The announcement of plans to ease the nation’s fuel economy standards triggered numerous defenses of the regulation.

Op-ed: Daylight Saving Time Costs More Than It’s Worth

Proposition 7 would repeal California’s Daylight Saving Time Act, thus ending the annual ritual for nearly 40 million people.

Koopman discusses pemissionless innovation on podcast

Christopher Koopman joins Howard Stephenson and Josh Daniels to talk about the center and his research work on “permissionless innovation.”

Op-ed: Trump’s Ethanol Plans Double Down on Bad Environmental Policy

If ethanol truly were a substitute for gasoline, no mandate would be necessary since refiners would adopt the most cost-effective blend.