Champion the Tech Entrepreneur
The US technology industry is a $1.3 trillion market and employs approximately 6.9 million Americans. Fiscal discipline and targeted funding for investments in innovation are essential to continue economic growth. We support reasoned and competitive tax policies that promote research and development (R&D), innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital investment.
- Support sales tax exemptions for R&D materials and equipment and advocate for tax policies that increase the level of R&D activity conducted in the states;
- Advocate against excessive, multiple, discriminatory and inconsistent taxation and limit state tax regimes that place unfair burdens on out of state businesses;
- Support legislation which provides protection from duplicative and discriminatory taxation of technology goods and services; or at minimum, strive for consistency across states; and
- Encourage economic development programs which provide support for capital investment or enterprise funds, school tax abatement programs, emerging technology funds, and research and development incentives.
Lead in Secure Internet-Based Platform Technologies
Economic expansion rests on the creation of new and innovative business models that leverage Internet based platforms that are trusted, secure and accessible. We support common sense data and cybersecurity policies that secure our networks and promote responsible use of consumer data so the technology experience can continue to expand and improve.
- Work to develop sensible definitions around nascent technologies such as biometrics, geolocation and blockchain to ensure neutrality while still allowing for technological advancements and adoption;
- Educate lawmakers about appropriate standards around data breach and notifications so that sensible criteria are defined, enabling entities to carry out effective and timely notifications and resolution of breaches; and
- Support continued innovation in encryption technologies and working with Congress and law enforcement to establish frameworks for securing data while exploring collaborative approaches to helping law enforcement keep Americans safe.
Support New and Emerging Technology Platforms through Thoughtful Policies
Advancements in cloud computing, mobility, the Internet of Things (IoT), and unified communications platforms; the growing commercial significance of unmanned aerial vehicles; and other applications such as mobile payments and blockchain are rapidly creating new opportunities for economic advancement while also raising a host of new public policy considerations.
- Work to establish the investment, regulatory and legal environment that will allow broader development and adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies;
- Support strong public-private partnerships at the state and local level that will accelerate the adoption of Smart Cities applications;
- While remaining mindful of legitimate privacy and safety implications, resist over-regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles that would unnecessarily curtail legitimate enterprise uses; and
- Encourage broadband access and deployment through increased competition, removing regulatory barriers, and encouraging private investment.
Deliver Reasoned, Science-Based Environmental Regulations
Our member companies are leaders in innovation and sustainability, and are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our products throughout their lifecycle: from design to use to end-of-life.
- Advance reasoned, science-based environmental regulations that continue the responsible use of chemicals in technology products that are safe, environmentally friendly, and support innovative and timely products;
- Support voluntary pathways to energy saving technologies that will foster innovation and flexibility that achieve conservation and stewardship of the environment;
- Support policies that encourage voluntary take-back and recycling programs and mitigate overly broad e-waste or extended producer responsibility mandates; and
- Support the ability of technology owners to freely and safely repair their products while preventing mandates that undermine consumer privacy and device security protections; expose trade secrets and other intellectual property investments in technology; set non-market based prices for proprietary components; or open manufacturers to liability for unauthorized repairs on products.
Support Skills for the 21st Century Workforce
CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation, education and economic growth. We support policies that expand life-long education in the computer sciences and basic IT skills, and promote a skilled workforce that spurs job growth and our ability to compete globally.
- Encourage states to adopt an early academic emphasis on STEM instruction and carry these efforts through higher education institutions, to prepare students and workers for lifelong learning opportunities;
- Prioritize workforce development opportunities in IT at the state and local levels;
- Recognize that the ability to recruit and retain the strongest workforce means supporting an inclusive workplace – one that welcomes people of all faiths, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Support initiatives that encourage minorities, veterans, women and other under-represented communities to pursue IT career paths; and
- Support the reasonable use and responsible stewardship of student data by schools, districts, and service providers, such as analyzing student data to deliver personalized learning experiences and improve products for use.
Enable State, Local and Education Authorities to Utilize Technology Most Effectively
State and local governments and education authorities rely on information technology to serve their constituents effectively and efficiently. CompTIA supports procurement and acquisition policies that enable state and local governments and education authorities to improve their management and delivery of public services through the adoption of innovative technologies and IT-enabled efficiencies.
- Support tech-neutral, transparent, and competitive purchasing practices that advance:
- Fair and open competition for the most beneficial price and product through procurements;
- Transparency with respect to government planning and spending;
- Best overall value methodologies to drive the most innovative and beneficial solutions;
- Streamlined acquisition processes that enable more efficient, rapid procurements of technology and solutions; and
- Appropriate governance for IT procurements, including accountability, appropriate staffing, and long-term planning.
- Cybersecurity legislation should preserve the vitality of innovation and promote the sector’s ability to respond to constantly evolving cyber threats. To meet this objective, CompTIA and its members are dedicated to maintaining and expanding the partnership between the private sector and the government to address our nation’s cybersecurity preparedness.
