Public Policy
ITI's key to successful
public policy advocacy is centered on supporting it’s member companies’
abilities to operate and innovate. Recognized
as the industry leader of the high-tech sector’s critical issue areas ITI
advocates and builds relationships for its member companies through three main
policy divisions:
In addition, as the thought
leader of the high-tech industry, ITI is the driver for building the
public-private sector partnerships that will be part of the solution to the
challenges and opportunities currently before the United States and will help
our country enter the new decade in a position of strength. ITI’s 2011 policy priorities, outlined below,
are aimed at achieving exactly that.
ITI’s successful public policy advocacy is centered on supporting it’s member companies’ abilities to operate and innovate. In 2011, information and communications technological (ICT) innovation will be the key driver for building the public-private sector partnerships that will be part of the solution to the challenges and opportunities currently before the United States.
- Expanding the number of permanent green cards and temporary, high-skilled visas will both solve the current need for high-skilled workers and raise revenues. Additionally, robust investment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and education will create a talented workforce and keep America competitive for decades to come.
- Cybersecurity policies that promote industry solutions to address security demands, are based on risk management, are flexible to adapt to rapid change, and reflect the global nature of cyberspace will yield the most secure networks while facilitating private-sector innovation.
- Lowering the corporate tax rate, adopting a territorial tax system, and promoting innovation incentives that promote research and development and intellectual property, among others will make the U.S. more competitive globally.
- Knocking down barriers to trade: Eliminate tariffs and the growing proliferation of behind-the-border impediments to trade in China and other key markets, especially targeting discriminatory technical regulations and standards.
- Supporting initiatives to jump-start the U.S. trade agenda: Back the U.S. initiative to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, develop strong trade initiatives for the U.S. hosting of APEC in 2011, and support passage of the pending FTAs and conclusion of a strong Doha Round.
- Leading on product sustainability and life cycle issues: Drive reasonable and consistent policies on product materials content and energy use to help secure market access around the world.
- Increase international harmonization of procurement practices and technology standards for accessibility to maximize the availability of affordable ICT for all.
- Making more spectrum available for mobile broadband through incentive auctions, and re purposing spectrum to higher valued uses will both address the growing demand by consumers for wireless connectivity and raise money for deficit reduction.
- Promote ICT energy efficiency and advanced renewable energy solutions as key parts of legislation on energy and climate and in policy development around the world.
- The patent system should be modernized to keep pace with today’s global economy. Reform should focus on reducing frivolous infringement lawsuits and focusing patent fees on reducing the backlog of patent applications at the Patent and Trademark Office rather than going for general purposes.
