The Tech Sector is Bad at Public Policy
Tech companies have often struggled to effectively engage in public policy, a shortcoming that has significant implications for both the industry and society. This issue stems from several factors, including a lack of understanding of the policy landscape, insufficient collaboration with policymakers, and a tendency to prioritize short-term gains over long-term societal benefits.
Tech companies from social media to cybersecurity operate in an ecosystem where “move fast and break stuff” is the means to survival. Public policy often lags behind, and tech firms see it as a hindrance or an obstacle rather than a potential asset.
Effective policy engagement requires tech companies to work closely with policymakers, yet this collaboration is often lacking. Policymakers need to include the perspectives of technology experts throughout the policymaking process to avoid poorly informed and outdated regulations. However, tech companies, especially startups, often lack the resources to engage in this way, leading to a regulatory environment that can stifle innovation.
Better Engagement is Needed
To improve their engagement with public policy, tech companies need to adopt several strategies:
Begin Engagement at a Subnational Level: Targeting state and local governments can be more effective than engaging directly with national governments, as these entities are often more open to innovation and competition.
Focus on Specific Priorities: Tech companies should concentrate their resources on a few key areas rather than spreading themselves too thin. This focused approach can lead to more effective policy engagement and better outcomes.
Attract Policymakers: By inviting policymakers to tech-centric events and locations, companies can showcase their innovations and foster a better understanding of their needs and potential contributions.
Collaborate: Working together with other tech companies can amplify their voice and influence in policy discussions, leading to more robust and united policy requests.
The Path Forward
It's a dynamic time for tech policy. State-level regulators have begun focusing on tech sector issues, but the solutions are often ill-advised or carry unintended consequences. The sector needs to focus resources and energy to ensure that tech policy is a product of collaboration between the private and public sectors. FutrState exists for this very purpose, to foster productive collaboration between these two sectors.