infoTECH Feature

August 06, 2008

Obama's Technology Strategy

By Kevin G. Coleman
Barack Obama is calling for the creation of a new cabinet-level position to deal with the ever changing world of technology. The "Chief Technology Officer" would be responsible for oversight of the federal government use of the technology available from the private sector. In addition the CTO would undoubtedly work with the new administration on technology policy issues.
 
Obama is technology savvy, often seen using his BlackBerry (News - Alert) and he seems to get what the Internet is all about. His speeches and comments lead one to believe that he understands the impact technology will have on our future. He also knows this is a race. The nation’s economy depends on the development of, access to and innovative use of new technology that will empower American in the future.  Coming from Netscape, I do not often agree with Microsoft or Bill Gates (News - Alert), but in this case he was spot-on. In March of this year, he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology. In his testimony he bluntly told them that there is evidence that we (meaning the U.S.) are failing to make the investments in our young people, our workers, our scientific research infrastructure necessary to retain our global innovation leadership.  All the technology executives I have spoken to feel the same way.
 
America’s high technology business sector has flourished and is revered around the world. Rapid advances in technology have driven our country's stellar economic performance for decades. Technology innovation is the foundation of sustained economic growth, low inflation, high-wage job growth, low unemployment, and is the true path to increasing our standard of living. So here are the near-term technologies challenges.
 
The top technology challenges for the next president will include:
 
  1. Green/Low-Carbon Technologies
  2. Alternative Energy Technology
  3. Bio-Genetics and Cloning Technology
  4. Cyber Warfare & Information Security
  5. Technology In Education
These areas of technology will have a profound effect on our nation and enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life globally. 
 
The strength of our nation is built on the knowledge and innovation of our people. There are many who questions the sustainability of our technological leadership. The next president must take decisive measures to secure that position for the U.S. in the future. The role of government is one that incentivizes organizations to invest in meaningful research in high-value areas of technology and one that removes the roadblocks and obstructions that often accompany dramatic change that impacts our established socio-economic system. The technology policies must be cast in a global collaborative tone that can harness the best and brightest the world has to contribute to these efforts. The technology is available to bring us closer together and work hand in hand on the global challenges we face. It will be the responsibility of the next president to embrace global collaborations and sharing of knowledge that can better the world.
 
If forecasts are correct, the magnitude of impact resulting from the technology advancement we will see in the coming decade will be far greater than at any other time in history. For that reason, technology and society driven policy decisions will collide head-on in the not so distant future. The collision could include — the world view of the U.S. using large amounts of corn for fuel that could be used to feed the hungry or how society will view our new policy on immigration of biologically/genetically altered people. Another aspect of these rapidly advancing technologies is the disruption they can and will most likely cause in business, education and our economy. In order for the U.S. to remain a global leader, we need a revolution in education. Currently we lag behind in math, science, engineering and technology education and are losing ground every day.
 
Living in a technologically advanced society will become more and more challenging as the pace of technological advancement accelerates in the next evolutionary cycle of emerging technologies. As we progress into the next cycle, technology will become ever further engrained into every aspect of our lives. Most of those in high tech want a hands-off policy, leaving them to do what they do best. It seems like Obama prefers a light-touch approach and wants our government to become involved and become a demonstration of effectiveness and efficiency brought about through the aggressive use of new technology. The challenges we will face in the next presidency will without question be daunting and the issues surrounding technology will be just one aspect of these challenges. In order to protect our great nation, the next president will have to invest in our people and facilitate technology innovation.

Kevin G. Coleman is a Senior Fellow and Strategic Management Consultant with the Technolytics Institute. He is the former Chief Strategist of Netscape and his thoughts, opinions and insights on issues surrounding technology are published around the world.
 
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