This report examines the inefficiency and waste associated with patents and copyrights and explores alternative mechanisms for supporting software development.

This report shows that pharmaceutical companies are making billions in excess profits under the new Medicare drug benefit.

In his new book, economist Dean Baker debunks the myth that conservatives favor the market over government intervention. In fact, conservatives rely on a range of "nanny state" policies that ensure the rich get richer while leaving most Americans worse off. It's time for the rules to change....

Government-granted patent monopolies have limited the ability to produce and stockpile large quantities of the drugs deemed most effective in treating the Avian Flu. This report examines alternative mechanisms for financing the development of pharmaceutical products.

This report debunks the myth that labor market protections, such as unions and unemployment benefits, are responsible for high European unemployment rates.

This paper notes that the typical worker's earnings have increased little over the last six years, despite apparently rapid productivity growth. It provides a quick examination of key measurement issues that might explain this gap.

This report shows that Europe's welfare states have nearly closed the employment gap with respect to the United States for workers aged 25 to 54 years old.

This report discusses the likelihood that incoming Federal Reserve Chair Benjamin Bernanke will be forced to deal with the effects of a collapsing housing bubble.

This paper forecasts that weakness in the housing market is likely to push the economy into a recession in 2007. Economist Dean Baker provides predictions for GDP, job and wage growth; inflation (CPI); investment; exports and imports; and more.

This updated paper provides key economic indicators of the state of the housing market -- including new 2006 data. It gives an up-to-date analysis of the available data sources, such as home sales, mortgage applications, vacancy rates and construction.