"Shapiro is a leading authority on the economics of competition in the information economy. This is a top-flight appointment by the Obama administration and this expertise is just what the country needs now as it looks for ways to turn the economy around," Computer and Communications Industry Association President Ed Black said. He noted that Shapiro understands the impact of different types of corporate behavior on competition and what that means for creating a business climate where innovative start-up businesses can thrive. "Innovation can boost the economy, but a lack of antitrust oversight and badly needed intellectual property reforms can hold the information technology sector back," Black said in a statement.