Federal Investments Caused 'Real Harm' To Emerging Tech, Former Official Says

While there is broad support for government research funding, the Obama administration's willingness to step in as a commercial partner with certain businesses has caused "real harm" to emerging technology programs, according to a former administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

"The problem is when government views itself as a partner and is driving economic decisions for favored political entities," John Kneuer said Wednesday in an interview for C-Span's "The Communicators."

Kneuer served as a top telecommunications official under George W. Bush and describes himself as an "enthusiastic supporter" of President Obama's Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.