ITI 2010 Policy Priorities

In 2010, 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. ICT innovation will also help our country enter the new decade in a position of strength. The 2010 policy priorities for ITI, outlined below, are aimed at achieving exactly that.

Spurring Sustainable Job Growth
A jobs agenda that is built on driving innovation domestically and exporting abroad, results in new capital inflow and jobs in the United States. 

• Spearheading educational initiatives focused on improving education in the STEM disciplines: Drawing on our unique resource as leaders in technological innovation, bolster science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in local school districts, universities, and community colleges, to cultivate and retain America’s best and brightest 21st century workforce.

• Building momentum for competitive corporate tax reform: Lay the foundation for a comprehensive overhaul of the corporate tax code to promote U.S. investment and drive economic growth to create and protect American jobs.

Increasing Access to Global Markets
Promoting exports of U.S. goods and services is vital to sustaining our country’s future economic growth and increasing American jobs and global competiveness.

• 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 jumpstart 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 lifecycle issues: Drive reasonable and consistent policies on product materials content and energy use to help secure market access around the world.

• Driving towards global approaches for cybersecurity: Discourage unique country-specific cybersecurity solutions that limit market access in favor of global practices.

Improving the Quality of Our Lives
Technological innovation created domestically has reshaped our lives in significant ways and promises to be even more transformational in the future.

• Ensuring ICT availability for people with disabilities: Increase international harmonization of procurement practices and technology standards for accessibility to maximize the availability of affordable ICT for all.

• Advancing broadband policies: Drive increased broadband deployment and adoption, while providing incentives to invest in next-generation technologies.

• Advancing energy efficiency/renewables: 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.

• Protect American ideas and creativity: Work to pass a patent reform bill that addresses both patent litigation and patent quality, supporting a bill that fosters U.S. job creation and innovation.