Stephen J. Norton
Former Communications Director
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Steve Norton joined ITIF in 2010 as communications director, bringing over 20 years experience in economic policy and communications.
Norton came to ITIF from Stewart and Stewart, an international trade and government relations firm, where he was senior communications advisor. Prior to that, he served as speechwriter and assistant press secretary for U.S. Trade Representatives Susan Schwab and Rob Portman. His service at USTR came after a 10-year career as a journalist at Congressional Quarterly, National Journal’s CongressDaily and other publications where he covered taxes, trade, and other economic policy issues.
Earlier in his career, Norton was a legislative assistant for U.S. Reps. Terry L. Bruce (D-IL) and Barbara B. Kennelly (D-CT), and worked as a paid campaign aide. He earned a B.A. in political science from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and a master’s degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife and two children.
Recent Publications
At “Innovation Economics” Launch, Sobering Data and Noble Aspirations
With innovation so critical to tackling problems and so elemental to economic growth, it is dismaying the United States has slipped as an innovation leader in the last decade or so. But we have.
Innovation Economic Consensus Versus Washington Economic Consensus
The Washington Economic Consensus fails to understand our new knowledge-based economy and is putting U.S. competitiveness at risk.
Voters are Ahead of Washington on Manufacturing
The results of a bipartisan survey show support for a national manufacturing strategy.
Deutschland Uber Vereinigte Staaten
The United States doesn't need to be a shark itself to avoid being devoured by competing countries. But we should be able to run an ad like Germany’s.
Genius Loves Company
Congress should work to impose pro-innovation measures like expanding the R&D tax credit.
Time to Turn NNMI from Concept to Reality
The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation has support on both sides of the aisle and should become a reality.
Good Speech, Good Ideas, Yet More Needed…
ITIF affirmed it praise for the President's focus on competitiveness but makes the case for more robust R&D, tax, trade and energy.
IT is the Foundation for Better Building
IT can help the U.S. construction industry implement better design and revolutionize the process to stay globally competitive.
The More Worthwhile Energy Policy Conversation
Devising a cost-effective way for the government to enable the private sector to make affordable clean energy a reality is the conversation Congress should be having, but is not.
A Word from the Wise is Sufficient
America’s most promising young scientists are testament to the crucial role of government R&D funding.
Recent Events and Presentations
Video Slideshow: The Logic Chain to National Competitiveness and Innovation Policy
Rob Atkinson goes through the myths about the problems and the solutions that impede us from developing policies to boost U.S. innovation and competitiveness.
Video Slideshow: The Case for a National Manufacturing Strategy
In this brief video presentation, ITIF Communications Director Steve Norton lays out the thrust of ITIF's report, The Case for National Manufacturing Strategy.
