Technology has transformed and connected communities across the country for the better. Innovation and rapidly evolving technologies have propelled small businesses, giving them a platform to reach new customers and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. These digital tools have provided businesses with the resources to break through the noise and remain competitive in our economy, serving an increasingly vital role during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
However, much of the discussion in Washington D.C. and state capitals has failed to consider the vast benefits technological innovation has brought to communities throughout the nation. As a new session of Congress begins, lawmakers must consider how their actions could potentially undermine America’s technological edge, which would have a trickle down impact on our small businesses and rural regions.
The American people agree. A new survey developed by Ipsos, in partnership with the American Edge Project, provides insight into the opinions of registered voters as it relates to the role of technology companies in our nation’s economic recovery.
The survey found that:
- Voters have growing concerns about the survival of small businesses, with nearly 90 percent of voters agreeing that small businesses serve a vital role in encouraging job growth.
- Approximately nine out of 10 voters feel that American tech companies have played a critical role in aiding the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, while more than 80 percent of voters believe that technology companies have had a positive impact on small businesses. 84 percent of voters feel that technology plays a key role in connecting small businesses to the marketplace.
- Americans are hopeful that the Biden administration will embrace a pro-technology policy agenda that strengthens domestic technology companies while improving the long-term health of our nation’s economy. Approximately 86 percent of voters agree that “we must do more to make sure American companies remain competitive.”
In looking at this data, it’s evident that voters are overwhelmingly concerned about the state of small businesses and remain hopeful that the new administration will work to ensure that our nation’s technology companies remain competitive and can continue to support small businesses, particularly as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis. As policymakers debate the role of technology and innovation, it’s critical that they take into consideration the role of technology in our nation’s economic health and recovery.