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It was this passion for innovation and the idea of getting back to an America that values entrepreneurship that sparked Shapiro's thirst for writing "The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore The American Dream," his bestselling book that launched at CES in January.
During an event held at the Samsung Experience Center at Manhattan's Time Warner Center, Shapiro and Sieberg sat down for a frank discussion about the book and Shapiro's views, including everything from the U.S. economy to his parental philosophy.
Several factors influenced Shapiro to write his newly released book, he told Sieberg. One was a 2008 visit with Chinese officials, who expressed their belief that the American economy was on its way down because of subprime mortgages, while the Chinese economy was on its way up. This upset Shapiro, creating the feeling that America had an "obligation to do something about it."
When asked what America's position is in innovation, Shapiro first sounded off with the wish that all Americans would travel abroad to get a different perspective, to understand what it is like to not have running water, etc. He feels it is also important to understand the views foreigners have of America.
Regarding the government's place in innovation, Shapiro praised President Obama's outlook that students be taught to always question as opposed to simply going along with "rote authority." Government has a responsibility to bring on the next generation, says Shapiro, and build the infrastructure it needs.
As a matter of timeliness, Sieberg poked at Shapiro's thoughts on AT&T purchasing T-Mobile. As a former antitrust lawyer, Shapiro simply stated, "I have no idea" but followed by saying that the more competition there is, the better. "AT&T has a zillion lawyers. I think 60/40 they can pull it off."
Competition was also a theme raised during the conversation on broadband and net neutrality. "This is a strategy of CEA. We want wired, wireless, fiber optic, etc. We want competition. I have never been excited about net neutrality because if you have choices of broadband then you don't need it."
Shapiro is a great proponent of working with foreign countries in a variety of aspects, including free trade. "We shouldn't close our borders. We can risk American lives in Korea, but we send the message that the country is not good enough for trade agreements."
In terms of visa caps, Shapiro believes the country should practice "strategic immigration" to once again welcome the brightest individuals from all nations, while also keeping them here once they have earned their degrees. "We have put up a 'We Don't Want You' sign in attitude and practice."
As the father of two adult sons as well as a three-year-old son, Shapiro has thought often of the world his children will live in after he is gone. Shapiro admitted that it "scares me that we are giving the next generation something worse than what we have. Every program we have makes us feel good today at the expense of children tomorrow."
Shapiro, whose young son is not permitted to watch television, places a lot of the responsibility on parents, especially with technology.
When questioned about childrens' education, Shapiro was certain that "our politicians should be challenged by the public as to what is good for our children." He also asked, "Where are the kids today, saying where is my future."
At the heart of the discussion is Shapiro's quest for the American entrepreneurial spirit. "Where did we shift from a entrepreneurial society to one of entitlement?"
In a country where "50 percent of Americans are receiving a check from the government," Shapiro heralds the fact that U.S. is the only place where kids set up lemonade stands and where people like Mark Zuckerberg can launch Facebook from nothing.
Shapiro also talked up the CEA-founded Innovation Movement (innovation-movement.com). "This grassroots campaign mobilizes Americans in support of public policies that encourage and advance American business and shore up our economy for future generations," he said.
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