Tech Policy 101: Fall 2024 Educational Seminar Series for Congressional Staff
Event Summary
About This Course
ITIF’s fall seminar course will explore core emerging technologies that are reshaping our world and the public policy challenges and opportunities influencing their development and application. Participants will be exposed to complex tech policy issues confronting Congress, with the opportunity to discuss and debate issues with ITIF analysts and outside experts. While ITIF takes positions on many policy issues, this course is not intended to advocate for its positions. Instead, ITIF aims to further its educational mission by fostering rigorous discussion and examining various facets of contemporary tech policy issues.
The course is open to congressional staff only. Participants will receive a certificate if they participate in at least four out of the five classes. The course and certificate are free of charge.
Topics to Be Explored in the Fall 2024 Seminar Series
- Internet Policy
- Broadband and Spectrum
- Tech and Antitrust
- Advanced Industries
- Competing with China
Monday, September 16: Internet Policy
From data privacy and online safety to content moderation and transparency, a discussion of the issues shaping the future of the Internet, with a special focus on issues impacting children online.
Speaker(s):
- Ash Johnson, Senior Policy Manager, ITIF
- Ava Smithing, Advocacy & Community Director, Young People's Alliance
Monday, September 23: Broadband and Spectrum
The backbone of the digital economy, successful broadband and spectrum policies are essential for maximizing benefits from emerging tech opportunities. How do we identify and resolve the causes of the digital divide? How do we maximize connectivity in a wireless world?
Speaker(s):
- Joe Kane, Director, Broadband and Spectrum Policy, ITIF
Monday, September 30: Tech and Antitrust
“Big tech” has given us remarkable innovations, yet critics suggest its break-up would be a panacea for the innovation economy. We’ll explore the underlying dynamics.
Speaker(s):
- Joseph V. Coniglio, Director, Antitrust and Innovation Policy, ITIF
- Bilal Sayyed, Senior Competition Counsel, TechFreedom; Counsel, Cadwalader
Monday, October 7: Comepting with China
The US risks losing leadership to China in a range of advanced industries. What’s China doing and how can the US and allies compete effectively?
Speaker(s):
- Rob Atkinson, President, ITIF
Monday, October 21: Advanced Industries
Countries that leverage critical and emerging tech most effectively will lead in tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing economy. How do we facilitate the transformation?
Speaker(s):
- Stephen Ezell, Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, and Director, Center for Life Sciences Innovation, ITIF
About ITIF
Founded in 2006, ITIF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute—a think tank—whose mission is to formulate, evaluate, and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress. ITIF’s goal is to provide policymakers around the world with high quality information, analysis, and recommendations they can trust. On the strength and influence of its work, the University of Pennsylvania has ranked ITIF as the top science and technology think tank in the world.
While ITIF takes positions on many policy issues, this course is not intended to advocate for its positions. Instead, ITIF aims to further its educational mission by fostering rigorous discussion and examining various facets of contemporary tech policy issues.
Legal Compliance and Ethical Guidelines
ITIF has worked closely with counsel at Perkins Coie LLP to ensure these seminars comply with House and Senate ethics guidelines concerning events attended by congressional staff. ITIF does not employ or retain registered lobbyists, and lobbyists will not be involved in any part of the planning or execution of this series.
