Washington, D.C. —
In an unprecedented move, TechNet,
the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior
executives, today joined with a dozen other technology organizations to urge
the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates to embrace a “Technology
Sector Presidential Platform” that will drive economic growth, innovation, and
job creation in the United States.
In an open
letter to candidates, the organizations called on the next president to
work with the tech sector to advance an agenda that:
- Ensures Americans possess the skills and
talents needed for 21st century success; - Fosters a business climate that rewards risk
and promotes innovation; - Encourages a fair and open global market for
goods and services; and - Maintains cutting-edge U.S. infrastructure that
supports entrepreneurs.
In addition, the organizations identified a dozen policy areas to
advance major goals of the tech industry, including: strengthening the skills of America’s workforce;
creating jobs and growing the economy; fostering trusted networks; propelling
innovation; and promoting new technology in the government.
The letter was signed by Linda Moore, president and CEO of TechNet, as
well as the leaders of Allied
for Startups; BSA | The Software Alliance; Computer & Communications
Industry Association (CCIA); Computing Technology Industry Association
(CompTIA); Consumer Technology Association (CTA); Information Technology
Industry Council (ITI); Internet Association; Semiconductor Industry
Association (SIA); Silicon Valley Leadership Group; Software & Information
Industry Association (SIIA); Technology CEO Council; and the Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA).
“The innovation economy is a major engine
of growth and job creation in the United States, but our global leadership in
this area is by no means guaranteed,” said Linda Moore. “That’s why the next President of the United
States must make this area a top priority. If we don’t, we could cede our technology
leadership to other nations. That’s why
the tech industry has come together in an unprecedented fashion to make it
clear that no matter who is president, we must address the real challenges
facing our industry and the nation.”
A copy of the letter is available upon request.
About TechNet
TechNet is the national,
bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the
growth of the innovation economy by advocating a targeted policy agenda at the
federal and 50-state level. TechNet’s
diverse membership includes dynamic startups to the most iconic companies on
the planet and represents more than two million employees in the fields of
information technology, e-commerce, advanced energy, biotechnology, venture
capital, and finance. TechNet has
offices in Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston, and
Austin.