How Tech is Engaging with Policymakers to Drive America’s Global Leadership in Innovation

How Tech is Engaging with Policymakers to Drive America’s Global Leadership in Innovation

Technology powers economic growth, drives groundbreaking research, enhances public safety, and creates opportunities. From in-person meetings to events and educational initiatives, TechNet and its member companies are actively engaging with policymakers to help them stay informed about how tech can benefit their local communities and the importance of policies that ensure America remains the global leader in innovation. Learn how tech is working with policymakers to advance initiatives that support local communities and strengthen our global competitiveness in this week’s Tech at Work.

State Lobby Days – Advocacy Across the Country

Each year, TechNet’s state team hosts lobby days in state houses all across the country. These lobby days connect the tech sector with legislators and staff, bringing representatives from our member companies into state capitols to engage with elected officials. From Washington to Massachusetts, participants discuss timely issues like AI, data privacy, children’s online safety, taxes, autonomous vehicles, and more.

TechNet Day – Federal Advocacy on the Hill

March 26th marked TechNet’s 25th annual TechNet Day, our federal lobby day. TechNet member company executives joined us in Washington, D.C., for discussions with key officials from the White House and Congress on policies that will ensure America maintains its competitive edge.

Advocacy from TechNet Member Companies

Amazon invited California lawmakers to celebrate Earth Day and highlight its efforts toward sustainability and environmental innovation.

DoorDash is mobilizing millions of Dashers through its DashRoots Advocacy Network to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C.

Google launched a $120 million initiative to educate workers and lawmakers on artificial intelligence, aiming to shape public understanding and regulatory policies on AI and offering training programs to foster better AI policies and opportunities.

Instacart partnered with the Veterans Administration and the Rockefeller Foundation to deliver medically tailored groceries to military veterans in New York.

Intuit developed the “More with AI Tour,” a nationwide roadshow to educate and advocate for small and mid-market businesses on AI adoption, including highlighting small businesses and outreach to local policymakers.

Salesforce hosted its “World Tour D.C.” event, featuring dozens of sessions led by public sector customers and leaders, providing a platform for Salesforce to showcase its technology to leaders in government, nonprofits, financial services, communications, and more.

Uber expanded its partnership with the U.S. Army to improve rideshare access for service members across the country.

Waymo announced that Waymo One is expanding to Washington, D.C., continuing its mission to bring autonomous ride-hailing to more communities.

What We’re Saying

Tech Applauds House Passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act

TechNet and its member companies applauded the passage of the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act. TechNet was an early supporter of this legislation to protect victims, hold bad actors accountable, and enable tech companies to take prompt action against non-consensual intimate images. The bill will now go to President Trump to be signed into law.

New in Tech

Aurora Begins Commercial Driverless Trucking in Texas, Ushering in a New Era of Freight

Aurora has launched the first commercial driverless trucking service in the U.S., operating autonomous Class 8 trucks between Dallas and Houston without a human driver onboard. This milestone follows the completion of Aurora’s safety case and over 1,200 miles of successful autonomous freight deliveries. Partnering with Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor Lines, Aurora plans to expand its driverless operations to El Paso and Phoenix by the end of 2025, aiming to enhance supply chain efficiency and address industry challenges such as driver shortages and high turnover rates.

Utilizing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s immersive STEM tools, students participated in a simulated mission to Mars to design solutions for sustaining life on the Red Planet. Through this hands-on project, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future challenges in science and technology. Verizon Innovative Learning HQ offers free resources, including AR/VR apps, lesson plans, and professional development to help educators bring engaging, tech-driven learning experiences into their classrooms.