Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The tech industry is laying out its hopes for the next president in a letter shared exclusively with Axios.
Why it matters: Industry groups representing a sprawling set of entities and interests are calling for the next administration to support the "trustworthy development and adoption" of AI, quantum and immersive technologies.
Driving the news: In a letter and "presidential platform" document sent to the Biden and Trump campaigns Thursday, the groups say they want the next president to invest in STEM-based skills training, welcome high-skilled immigrants to the workforce and improve federal hiring and retention.
- ACT | The App Association, BSA | The Software Alliance, Consumer Technology Association, Entertainment Software Association, Information Technology Industry Council, Software & Information Industry Association, TechNet and XR Association signed the letter.
- They also call for the next administration to support federal privacy legislation and "advance flexible laws and regulations that foster new innovations and promote competition and growth."
Yes, but: Tech companies diverge when it comes to the nitty gritty of how to accomplish these goals.
What they're saying: "Globally, the United States is one of multiple nations around the world determined to write the rules for how technology is used," the groups wrote.
- "Countries that lead in advancing new technology and shaping global policy can achieve tremendous strategic, economic, and national security advantages for years to come."
Flashback: Many in the tech industry last came together with a set of policy principles in 2016 and, in a sign of how much has changed in relatively little time, no mention of AI was made.
- Since the 2020 election, Facebook rebranded to Meta, ChatGPT ushered in a generative AI boom and Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act.
This letter was completed well before the GOP's 2024 platform, which includes a call to repeal President Biden's AI executive order, was released earlier this week.
The tech industry wields enormous power in Washington, where regulation has long stalled because of lobbying efforts and lawmaker inertia on both sides of the aisle.
- Republicans — citing fears that regulation will hamper innovation — are gaming out how to undo the Biden administration's AI executive order, which is where major regulatory action is taking place as congressional deadlock persists.
- While other entities like the European Union are likely to continue leading in regulation, expect the U.S. to remain first and foremost concerned with innovation and competitiveness.
