The Unveiling of the National IoT Strategy Dialogue

One of the most exciting aspects of my role at ITI is the privilege of seeing up close the most transformative technologies. In today’s world that means witnessing the power of innovation to improve people’s everyday lives. Never before in human history can so much information be accessed so readily and freely for the betterment of society. New innovations such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and the promise of the Internet of Things (IoT)are propelling the world into a new age of breakthrough technology and advancement.

The adoption of IoT technologies in particular is growing at an unprecedented pace and is expected to add $10 to $15 trillion to worldwide GDP growth by 2030, which is the equivalent of China’s entire economy. Because technology is constantly changing and updating, the laws and regulations established to oversee this emerging sector need to as well.

To help guide policy makers in realizing the full benefits of IoT technologies to our economy and society, last year ITI, along with Samsung and Intel, launched the National Internet of Things (IoT) Strategy Dialogue with the goal of providing strategic recommendations to Congress and the administration that encourage the promotion of the rapid advancement and approval of internet-enabled devices. Through these recommendations, ITI aims to ensure the future of IoT, its continued benefits to society, and its economic growth. Throughout last year, ITI collaborated with a wide range of industry and government stakeholders and unveiled the final report on October 3, 2017, which was presented to Congress and the Trump Administration.

Why is the NISD so important?

Simply put, and as we note in our report, IoT success and leadership will not occur without appropriate planning or in a policy vacuum. In this report, the NISD advocates for the following standards: 1) a broad-based IoT definition to help ‘level-set’ policy makers, 2) the prioritization of a National IoT Strategy, including passage of the DIGIT Act, 3) ensuring consistent IoT standards and rules at the federal and international levels, 4) commitment to IoT security through flexible federal policies and best practices, 5) prioritize “smart” transportation and infrastructure solutions, 6) and invest in IoT public-private partnerships, research and testbeds. With policy recommendations covering these topics, ITI aims to promote the global IoT competitiveness and technological advancement of the U.S.

Why IoT Matters?

From our smart phones and laptops to our security systems and home appliances, internet-enabled devices are becoming more and more integrated into our everyday lives. In 2015 alone, there were approximately 15.4 billion connected devices, and this number is expected to grow to 30.7 billion by 2020.

During natural disasters and severe weather events, an enduring question that remains is can IoT help? Technology plays an important role in not only predicting weather, but in rescue operations and prioritizing repair as well. The NISD aims to promote new IoT innovations such as internet-enabled wearable devices, which can track a user’s location in real-time and evaluate their injuries, that will increase our safety during events like these and ultimately put The United States at the forefront of IoT.

These technologies can help search and rescue efforts, potentially leading to fewer lost lives in emergency situations. For example, small sensors placed on a wrist band or embedded into a person’s clothing could use monitored data regarding pressure and speed to assess whether a direct impact caused any harm and then use that information to notify emergency services.

IoT also plays a role in improving America’s infrastructure. With the help of IoT solutions in building things like roadways and bridges, work will not only be conducted more efficiently and effectively, but longstanding issues can be resolved, saving taxpayers a lot of money.

These are just a couple of the ways IoT can fundamentally transform our lives for the better. With the help of the NISD, Congress and the administration will have a blueprint to to lead America into a new, modernized era; an era where new IoT innovations help our society become more dynamic and productive. By creating policy that allows IoT to grow and accelerate, Congress can drive the United States to lead the world in the future of IoT.

With the release of the National IoT Strategy Dialogue, it is of importance that Congress act promptly and efficiently on the policy recommendations set forth by ITI to maintain U.S. leadership in terms of economic growth and IoT advancement.

Public Policy Tags: Internet of Things

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