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I am an assistant professor of engineering and technology management at PSU. I teach courses in technology strategy, technological innovation and technological entrepreneurship. I have a line of academic questions that could have significant practical implications for entrepreneurship in 2009.

No matter who wins the election next week money will be tight next year, and the new admistration/congress may have to take measures that we have not seen in a long time. I am particularly courious about hikes in capital gains tax. At what level will capital gains tax become painful for entrepreneurship, venture capitalists and investors in VC funds? 15%? 20%? 25%? 30%? 35%? At what level of capital gains tax would they choose less risky investments instead? I include the entrepreneurs in this question, because many of them could make very high salaries as managers in high tech firms. Less risky for them means working for someone else for lots of money. Furthermore, given that VC-driven entrepreneurship is a major source of competitive advantage and growth for the United States economy, at what capital gains tax rate would economic growth in the US be significantly impaired? Finally, will entrepreneurship in Oregon suffer more or less than in California or in Boston if the capital gains tax rises?

Best regards,

Charles Weber

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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