Encouraging innovation is key to bringing the economy out of its current depression. Over at Science Progress, a post talks about the lack of innovation policy in the US and how it contributes to its lagging behind in productivity. “A key way for the United States to improve productivity, create jobs, and grow the domestic economy over the long term is for the government to support the growth of regional centers of innovation,” the post says. Speaking at a recent event hosted by the Center for American Progress, University of Chapel Hill Public Policy Professor Maryann Feldman said that good infrastructure and support of small and medium-sized businesses was imperative, citing Silicon Valley, San Diego, Route 128 in Massachusetts, and Toledo, Ohio as particularly good nodes in the innovation hub.