Association Advocates for Federal, State and International Laws and Regulations
As lawmakers and regulators get to work in 2019, CompTIA’s advocacy team stands ready to work on a number of specific issues on the federal, state and international fronts.
These issues, while critical to the U.S. tech sector, are extremely important to the nation because of the significant economic impact that the diverse technology industry plays in communities around the county and abroad. CompTIA has set out specific 2019 Policy Priorities that spell out what the industry needs to continue to lead the world in tech entrepreneurship and innovation.
Below are highlights from the 2019 Policy Priorities (the documents in their entirety can be viewed and downloaded):
Federal Policy Priorities
In Washington, CompTIA works with Congress, the White House and a number of federal agencies to advocate on policies and regulations that promote and support technology companies of all sizes. From taxes to workforce development and training, CompTIA understands the importance of sound federal policy.
Advance Tax and Regulatory Policies that Spur Innovation and Grow Our Economy
The U.S. technology industry is a $1.5 trillion market and employs nearly 11.5 million Americans. Fiscal discipline and targeted funding for investments in innovation are essential to continue economic growth. CompTIA supports reasonable tax policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital investment.
Lead in Cybersecurity and Secure Internet-based Platforms
Economic expansion in information technology rests on the creation of new and innovative business models that leverage trusted, secure and accessible Internet-based platforms. CompTIA supports 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.
Support New and Emerging Technology Platforms through Thoughtful Policies
Advancements in cloud computing, mobility, machine to machine (M2M), and unified communications platforms, the growing commercial significance of unmanned aerial vehicles, and other applications such as mobile payments are rapidly creating new opportunities for economic advancement while also raising a host of new public policy considerations.
Support Skills for the 21st Century Workforce
CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation, education and economic growth. CompTIA supports 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.
Address Availability and Delivery of Broadband Communications
The Internet is the infrastructure of the global economy. To ensure innovation, economic growth and social interaction, it is imperative that we keep the Internet open, encourage deployment of new, faster broadband networks and find ways to get more Americans online.
View 2019 Federal Policy Priorities
State Government Affairs Policy Priorities
CompTIA has boots on the ground in every state to ensure that the technology industry’s voice is not muffled or silenced, and to work with lawmakers to keep them informed on the important state issues affecting companies or all sizes either based in their states or that do business there. The issues somewhat mirror those that are at the forefront in Washington, as one would expect, but each state is unique so advocacy becomes all that more important.
Champion the Tech Entrepreneur
CompTIA supports reasoned and competitive tax policies that promote research and development (R&D), innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital investment within the technology industry. Empowering the entrepreneur through state policies that encourage innovation and support the vital work these citizens do allows states to reap the many benefits these new businesses deliver on multiple fronts – from economic development to improving the quality of life for residents.
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. CompTIA supports 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.
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.
Deliver Reasoned, Science-Based Environmental Regulations
CompTIA member companies are leaders in innovation and sustainability and are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycles -- from design to use to end-of-life.
Support Skills for the 21st Century Workforce
CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation, education and economic growth. CompTIA supports 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.
Enable State, Local and Education Authorities to Utilize Technology 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.
View 2019 State Government Affairs Policy Priorities
International Policy Priorities
CompTIA has established itself as one of the leading authorities when it comes to international trade and how laws and regulations impact the U.S. tech sector. While ongoing negotiations with China tend to make most of the headlines, there are a number of other issues on tap for 2019 and more will no doubt pop up throughout the year.
Advance Customs Procedures and Practices that are Streamlined, Effective and Transparent
CompTIA advocates for policies that ensure the safety and security of shipments crossing borders. The aim is to support best practices for compliance with laws and regulations in a way that also minimizes financial and administrative impacts on our member companies.
Support Reasonable and Clearly Defined Export Regulations and Sanctions
CompTIA educates and keeps members current on U.S. export regulations for dual-use goods and technology and munitions items, as well as works with the U.S. Congress and the Administration as necessary to make U.S. export controls streamlined, effective, and transparent for both government and industry.
Expand Markets, Reduce Barriers, and Advocate for U.S. Tech Globally
International trade is vital to the U.S. technology industry and economy as tech is one of the largest sectors for exports. Tech exports reached an estimated $322 billion in 2017 and directly supported an estimated 805,000 American jobs. Further, exports account for approximately $1 out of every $4 generated in the nation’s tech industry. CompTIA supports trade policies that expand and open markets for the U.S. technology sector, prevent or eliminate trade barriers, and boost the global competitiveness of the industry.
View 2019 International Policy Priorities
2019: Empowering Tech Entrepreneurs, Growing the Tech Industry
This year could prove to be a pivotal one for the technology sector with developments on international trade, broadband deployment, digital privacy, cybersecurity, corporate taxes, and workforce development and training efforts all in play in Washington and in state capitals around the nation.
CompTIA’s advocacy team is prepared to advocate and educate on behalf of member companies and the entire technology industry throughout the year.
As the tech sector continues to grow, CompTIA’s work with lawmakers and regulators will only become more important.
The 2019 Policy Priorities provide details on the challenges and opportunities facing technology firms. I encourage you to spend some time with each of the three documents, and reach out to CompTIA with any questions or concerns regarding the priorities for the year.
For more information about CompTIA Public Sector and Advocacy, view the Membership Brochure.
