Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of tech CEOs and senior executives, today released its 2026 Federal Policy Principles. The Principles serve as a roadmap for policies that create jobs, enhance national security, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in innovation.

“The United States stands at a critical juncture in the global race for technology leadership,” said Linda Moore, TechNet CEO. “Our 2026 Federal Policy Principles provide a clear path forward to ensure America remains the global leader in innovation. By establishing a national privacy standard, advancing a risk-based approach to AI, and modernizing our energy and digital infrastructure, we can unlock new economic opportunities, drive medical breakthroughs, and expand personal opportunity while strengthening America’s competitiveness and national security for decades to come.”

Key highlights of the 2026 Federal Policy Principles include:

  • Leading in Artificial Intelligence: The Principles advocate for a risk-based federal AI framework that builds on existing laws and avoids “one-size-fits-all” mandates that could stifle downstream innovation. TechNet also supports fully funding the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR).
  • Establishing a National Privacy Standard: TechNet calls on Congress to enact comprehensive federal privacy legislation that preempts the current state-by-state patchwork, providing uniform protections for all Americans and ending regulatory fragmentation.
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity: The agenda emphasizes voluntary, risk management-based approaches and the harmonization of cyber incident reporting to reduce compliance costs while increasing the resilience of the nation’s industrial base.
  • Modernizing Energy Infrastructure: To support the growing demands of consumers, businesses, critical infrastructure, and the digital ecosystem, TechNet urges the passage of comprehensive permitting reform and federal electricity policies to drive investment in renewable energy and grid reliability.
  • Expanding the STEM Pipeline: TechNet supports greater federal investments in STEM education, apprenticeships, and AI training to address talent shortages and help American students and workers succeed in a global economy.
  • Promoting Global Trade: The Principles urge the administration to reassert leadership on digital trade, standing against forced data localization and supporting the free flow of data across international borders.

Read TechNet’s full 2026 Federal Policy Principles here.