Can government encourage innovation and economic growth, or is it just a drag, an obstacle? According to the authors, almost all of the recent breakthrough technologies successfully marketed by U.S. firms enjoyed crucial government support for the original research and steps toward commercialization. If you don’t believe it, all you need to do is look at your iPhone, your new car, or a major appliance, and you will see technologies nurtured to commercial fruition by support from public sector agencies.