WASHINGTON, DC – The American Edge Project, a coalition of nearly two dozen domestic organizations, today released a new study, “Unleashing American Innovation: A Policy Roadmap To Win The Global Tech Race.”
The report outlines a comprehensive strategy to win the global tech race by maintaining U.S. leadership in technology while addressing mounting challenges from China’s technological ambitions and potential regulatory overreach domestically and abroad.
This timely study comes as the United States faces critical decisions about its technological future, with the 2024 presidential election on the horizon and increasing global competition in areas like artificial intelligence (AI).
“This report serves as a crucial roadmap for policymakers to ensure America wins this high-stakes tech race with China,” said American Edge Project CEO Doug Kelly. “Our nation’s economic prosperity, national security, and core values are intrinsically tied to our technological leadership. We must act decisively to empower American innovators and ensure we maintain and expand U.S. technological preeminence for decades to come.”
To help guide policymakers, the American Edge Project’s new report outlines three key policy pillars:
- Establishing Geopolitical Leadership Through Technological Innovation: The U.S. must secure geopolitical leadership by winning the tech competition with China. This requires significant investments in research and development, preventing regulatory overreach that could stifle innovation, empowering American companies to compete globally, strengthening supply chains, and safeguarding digital infrastructure. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) should reaffirm its commitment to a pro-innovation trade agenda, continuing to support the free flow of information to counter China’s restrictive practices and the theft of U.S. technology and intellectual property.
- Promoting Dynamism in the Tech Sector: To win the tech race, U.S. policymakers must prioritize supporting startups and small businesses. This includes enhancing support for new ventures, boosting investment, harmonizing regulations to facilitate growth, and expanding innovation ecosystems nationwide. It’s crucial to avoid heavy-handed regulations, such as mandatory certification or licensing, which could hinder innovation. Rather, lawmakers should focus on maintaining robust investment flows and fostering innovation hubs beyond traditional areas, such as Silicon Valley and New York City. Additionally, securing and reinforcing the nation’s energy infrastructure is vital to meet the growing demands of technological development and protect against cyber-attacks.
- Sharing the Benefits of the Innovation Economy: To ensure the benefits of the innovation economy flow equitably to communities across America, we must continue to invest in closing the digital divide, protect consumer usage of low-cost, high-quality products, use technology to support traditional industries, and build a robust talent pipeline. This comprehensive approach will help distribute the advantages of technological progress more equitably and ensure that the benefits are not concentrated in a few elite regions or groups.
The bottom line: America is at a critical juncture. The U.S. and China are locked in a high-stakes tech race that will determine which country – and which set of values – will build the future. To secure America’s position as the global leader in technology and innovation, policymakers must cultivate a robust policy landscape that empowers the tech sector, fuels innovation, and shares benefits broadly. By championing policies that support and empower the U.S. tech ecosystem, America can fortify its national security, stave off the looming threats posed by China, and usher in a new era of economic growth and prosperity.
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.
Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.
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