Tech Policy 202: Educational Seminar Series for Congressional and Federal Staff

About This Course

ITIF’s Tech Policy 202 course explores core emerging technologies that are reshaping our world and, in the process, creating public policy challenges and opportunities. It is designed to help Congressional and Federal Staffers who already have a basic level of understanding of technology and tech policy to develop a deeper understanding of key emerging technologies and the policy issues associated with them. Participants will be exposed to an array of complex tech policy issues confronting Congress, with the opportunity to discuss and debate the questions and policy challenges presented by new technologies with ITIF analysts and other experts.

Class Schedule and Structure

A total of six seminar-style classes will run approximately an hour, typically from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Classes will be offered virtually via Zoom starting on Wednesday, February 2 and continuing every consecutive Tuesday until March 8. Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course. The course and certificate, which includes a digital badge for display on LinkedIn, are free of charge. Participants must attend at least five out of the six seminars to receive a certificate.

Each class will consist of roughly one-third presentation by an ITIF analyst, one-third presentation by non-ITIF expert, and one-third class discussion. There will be assigned reading each week, with all materials provided to participants.

Topics to be Explored

This will be offered virtually.

Robotics
AR/VR
Carbon Capture

Quantum Computing
Gene Editing
Artificial Intelligence

Application Process

Please submit a resume and a short cover letter explaining why you are interested in the program, your prior experience with technology policy, and your current position. Applications should be directed to [email protected] with “Tech Policy 202” as the subject line by January 25, 2022.

2022 Syllabus

February 2 Robotics:

Robotics – defined as systems with some level of autonomy — is rapidly improving through a combination of advancements in software, hardware and connectivity. And more than just robots in factories, robotics and autonomous systems will become more prevalent in a host of areas, including national security, law enforcement, retail and hospitality, transportation and services. This class will examine the technology underpinning robotics and autonomous systems, and discuss some of the policy issues stemming from them.

Reading List:

February 8 Carbon Capture:

This session will explore active carbon management technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and direct air capture (DAC), including their applications in the electric power sector, heavy industry such as cement and steel production, and hydrogen and biofuels. It will look at how these technologies will be necessary alongside renewables and other low-carbon technologies to manage climate risk. It will also explore current policies to accelerate these technologies, including the 45Q tax credit and research and development (R&D) programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). With this foundation on the state of current technology and policy, the class will then discuss policy issues related to advancing ACM technologies.

Reading List:

Optional:

February 15 Artificial Intelligence:

This session will explore trends in machine learning, including an overview of the technologies involved and their capabilities and implications, as well as the current state of research in the field. With this foundation to separate realistic concerns from the sensational, the class will then discuss relevant policy issues.

Reading List:

Optional:

February 22 Quantum Computing:

The session will explain what quantum computing is, discuss how organizations are using this technology to address real-world challenges in a variety of areas today (from healthcare to the environment to transportation), and consider the national security implications of large-scale quantum computers that may be developed in the future. It will discuss policies the United States has already implemented in its quest for quantum computing leadership and opportunities for U.S. policy looking forward.

Reading List

March 1 Gene Editing:

The session will explain what gene editing is, how it works, how it was discovered, and what folks are trying to accomplish with it across a wide spectrum of applications in biomedicine, agriculture, and industry. The session will review different approaches to policy issues in different countries, including intellectual property and regulation. It will also examine lessons that should inform the direction of U.S. policy.

Reading List:

Optional:

March 8 AR/VR:

This session will explore the rapidly growing space of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies and the unique policy considerations that they raise. It will review definitions of AR/VR devices and applications as well as the underlying technologies that enable them, and discuss promising current and potential use cases across sectors. It will also examine how these technologies will impact key policy considerations including consumer privacy and safety, workforce development, and public sector innovation.

Reading List

Optional: