Benefits of Membership

TechNet members are chief executive officers and senior executives of the nation’s leading companies in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, e-commerce and finance. As part of our network, TechNet members — through the power of a collective voice — participate in the critical discussions that shape our nation’s public policy and the political process. Member benefits include:

PUBLIC POLICY

Since its inception, TechNet has been committed to advancing public policies and private sector initiatives that make the U.S. the most innovative country in the world.  TechNet champions policies that foster a climate for innovation, allowing technology companies to create, thrive and compete. TechNet members work together to identify key policy priorities and execute successful legislative strategies at both the federal and state levels.

Working Groups:

Through participation in TechNet’s Working Groups, TechNet members bring a new perspective and fresh approaches to address pressing national issues impacting the technology industries.

ICT 2.0
Recent developments in information and communications technologies (ICT) have forever changed the way people work, play and interact with one another. Innovations in social media, cloud computing, mobile e-commerce and applications, and more all present ongoing challenges to policymakers. TechNet’s ICT 2.0 Working Group will focus on issues such as privacy, security, spectrum policy, intellectual property protection, telecom regulation, and others that the group identifies.

Global Competitiveness
Innovative companies rely more heavily than ever on overseas markets for their business.  Challenges to doing business overseas include protectionist trade policies, weak intellectual property protection, and lack of action domestically on free trade initiatives. This working group will also on issues relating to tax policy, working capital, as well as other issues that affect the well-being of American innovation within the global economy.

Clean Tech
Clean energy can create new jobs, reduce rising energy costs, promote sustainable business practices, and enhance energy efficiency. This working group will focus on policy initiatives that enhance the deployment of clean energy technology such as: eliminating regulatory barriers to commercialization, fostering conditions for market entry and access to capital, research and development funding, and workforce development. The Clean Tech Working Group will also provide input for joint TechNet and Brookings Institution collaboration that includes clean energy topics.

Human Capital

An innovative economy relies on a talented and creative workforce in order to turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s products. An adequate supply of workers with the right skills to sustain innovation is crucial to America’s competitiveness. This group will focus on issues related to the talent that drives innovation, such as: STEM education, the talent pipeline, and high-skilled immigration reform.

Working Groups:

Through participation in TechNet’s Working Groups, TechNet members bring a new perspective and fresh approaches to address pressing national issues impacting the technology industries.

POLITICS

As the technology industry’s largest fundraising organization and most active supporter of both Republican and Democratic political candidates and elected officials, TechNet offers its collective view demonstrating the economic power of innovation to the leading decision-makers in Congress, the Administration, and state government. TechNet’s strategic political advocacy is targeted toward the leaders in technology policy-making. TechNet members enjoy:

• Interaction with key federal and state policy-makers. TechNet has hosted over 1,000 high-level political events including meet-and-greet and fundraising events with U.S. Presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, Congressional Leadership, Governors, and other officials.
• Participation in coordinated industry political outreach that significantly amplifies individual impact.
• A role in guiding the technology industry’s premier political advocacy committee and political outreach.

THE NETWORK

With a network of over 100 committed CEOs – from the leaders of the nation’s largest technology companies to venture capitalists to founders of innovative start-up companies – TechNet provides invaluable opportunities for our members to build relationships and connect with other CEOs and senior executives in the innovation sector. And as a member of our network, TechNet CEOs and senior executives have the opportunity to participate in our signature annual events and numerous high-level meetings:

• TechNet Day: TechNet’s annual Washington, D.C CEO fly-in including high-level meetings with Cabinet Secretaries and other senior Administration officials and House and Senate leaders, followed by exclusive networking receptions and dinners.
• Policy Events: TechNet members regularly meet with leading policymakers in Washington, DC, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Austin, Seattle, Boston, and Albany through policy roundtables and company site visits.
• Policy Roundtable Speakers Series: TechNet members gather for monthly in-depth discussions with senior Administration officials on leading technology policy issues.