How might the United States boost productivity, innovation, and growth? It's a good question, and scholars and researchers at The Brookings Institution have come up with a compelling idea that's worth a look in this 75-page report. Released in April 2008, the report, authored by Robert Atkinson and Howard Wial, suggests that the federal government should establish a National Innovation Foundation (NIF) which would be "devoted to supporting firms and other organizations in their innovative activities". The NIF would also be responsible for catalyzing industry-university research partnerships, expanding regional innovation-promotion, and encouraging technology adoption. Visitors can read their executive summary here, and also look over the other eleven chapters and appendices. It's a rather intriguing idea, and one that will pique the interest of urban planners, economists, and many other stakeholders.