Washington, DC - Technology executives from TechNet, the bipartisan political network of CEOs that promotes the growth of the innovation economy, today are meeting with Obama Administration officials and Congressional leaders to listen to top concerns of policy makers and share support and commitment around innovation and investment to continue support for American innovation as an essential component to lifting the nation out of the current economic downturn.

As part of TechNet's annual CEO fly-in to Washington - TechNet Day - the organization unveiled its 2009 Innovation Policy Agenda which seeks to advance economic growth through public policies and private sector initiatives that foster innovation. The agenda calls for sustained support for green technology, education reform, furthering broadband deployment, expanded research and development, preserving intellectual property and expanded free trade.

During this week's activities, TechNet has brought its largest group of executives ever to the nation's capitol and also announced the winners of its annual Founders Circle Award, given to legislators in both Houses of Congress for their strong leadership to promote technology and innovation in the past year as a core element of the nation's economic growth and competitiveness. The winners, chosen by TechNet's member companies, include Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator John Cornyn (D-CA), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA).

"In these challenging times, we must work together to get America back on track and to create a sustainable economy for all Americans." said John Chambers, Cisco Chairman and CEO and co-founder of TechNet. "The U.S. high-tech companies represented by TechNet are here in Washington, DC to listen to the concerns of our nation's leaders and to commit to partnership with government on strategic initiatives for economic recovery and job creation. We pledge to bring the powerful forces of innovation and operational excellence to help solve the nation¿s toughest challenges. Together, we will work with government to enable the transformation of health care, education, energy and other sectors in a manner that makes America an example for the rest of the world."

"During these difficult economic times, we must keep our eye on the ball and recognize that America¿s long-term strategic interests are best served by robust support of the innovation economy," said John Doerr, Partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield and Byers and co-founder of TechNet. "Our nation's most innovative companies can't succeed without strong leadership in Washington. We look forward to working with the Obama Administration and Congress to get the job done."

The TechNet 2009 Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda:

Continued Support for Green Technologies: TechNet is working to promote and highlight new technologies and innovation as a central part of the solution to national security, economic competitiveness and global energy and environmental challenges and encourage a national commitment for investment in and adoption of innovative green technologies. In addition, TechNet advocates for public policies and initiatives to spur the development and adoption of new technologies to enhance energy efficiency, encourage use of renewable energy and protect the environment.

Improving the Nation's Broadband Infrastructure and Internet Policy: In 2002, TechNet called for the United States to have a comprehensive national broadband strategy and greater broadband deployment and has been working on that goal ever since. At the same time, TechNet strongly supports initiatives to spur the growth and vitality of the Internet by advocating for consumer access to Internet content and services and a permanent Internet tax moratorium.

Education and 21st Century Workforce: From its founding more than 10 years ago, TechNet continues to work with policymakers to develop initiatives to improve science and math education, and increase the number of Americans attaining degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through new programs and resources that strengthen our public schools.

Protecting U.S. Intellectual Property Through Patent Litigation Reform: TechNet is working to protect intellectual property and end abusive lawsuits brought by plaintiffs using patents as a means of obtaining settlements from legitimate technology businesses.

Supporting Basic Research: TechNet is working to spur strong national investments in research and development through increased federal funding for basic research and a permanent extension of the R&D tax credit.

Spurring Immigration Reform: At the same time TechNet seeks to improve the U.S. education system, the organization seeks to ensure that our nation¿s schools improve U.S. math and science education, it is working to educate policymakers that closing our borders to the best minds in innovation does not make sensible policy. As such, TechNet is working on high skilled immigration reform to ensure the U.S. continues to have a highly skilled workforce.

Expanded International Trade: TechNet is working closely with national policymakers to enact trade agreements that strengthen our companies through expanded market access overseas. TechNet members increasingly rely on international markets for growth and we will work to support legislative efforts to enter those markets as well as agreements that guard and protect intellectual property.

About TechNet: TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of CEOs that promotes the growth of technology industries and the economy by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers and by advocating a targeted policy agenda. TechNet's members represent more than one million employees in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, e-commerce and finance. TechNet has offices in Washington, DC, Palo Alto, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston, Austin, and Orange County (California). Web address: www.technet.org.