Episode 1: Technology
On the Soapbox-Technology Policy
There is no question about the significance of the technology sector’s impact on Virginia over the past decade. Technology innovation feeds our economy by creating new jobs with high wages. It provides new tools for learning and it has transformed the way government provides services to its citizens.
We work in a closely connected world—more so than ever before. Our businesses are only a keystroke away from competitors in distant lands and vice-versa. This creates tremendous economic opportunities for Virginia, but it also reinforces the fact that Virginia must compete globally in learning, knowledge generation and the application of information.
From a public policy perspective, our need to stay competitive creates a framework for providing opportunities for our citizens. Competition underscores the importance of investing in internet broadband capabilities in every region of Virginia. Competition gives meaning to the critical relationship between our public universities and colleges and the skilled workforce needed to fuel Virginia’s technology sector. Competition has broad implications on workforce training, particularly for citizens who transition directly from high school to the private sector. Competition causes us to invest in research and development in new ways. Finally, competition allows us to find opportunities to make the operation of government more efficient and the delivery of government services more responsive.
As we look forward, innovation in technology can have an even more profound impact over the next ten years in Virginia than it has during the past ten years. The opportunities for our citizens are boundless so long as we recognize the changing competitive dynamics caused by technology and are able to respond to these challenges in a meaningful way.
- Steve Shannon
Episode 1: Technology with Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Technology
In this week’s show, Steve Shannon interviews Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra. They review the challenges facing Virginia’s technology sector and how the state is promoting its continued prosperity.
The Secretary of Technology is responsible for the efficient and effective use of information technology to simplify state government operations, and the office works with the private sector to promote and strengthen Virginia’s technology industries. Secretary Chopra oversees two agencies: Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).
Ongoing State Initiatives in Technology
The Research and Technology Advisory Commission advises the Governor on appropriate research and technology strategies for the Commonwealth. Meetings are open to the public and the next meeting takes place next Tuesday September 18, 2007 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA.
The Productivity Investment Fund is a $3 million appropriation designated by the Council on Virginia’s Future to fund solutions identified by the Enterprise Solutions Group. The Enterprise Solutions Group works with agencies, private firms, academic leaders, and citizens to surface projects fostering a simpler and more effective government.
The Office of Health IT is a collaborative effort between the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Technology. It serves as a virtual office combining staff from both the Health and Technology Secretariats and serves as support staff for the Health IT Council awards. The Office also works with the Enterprise Solutions Group to help agencies interested in advancing the Health IT Agenda.
The Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance works to encourage the development of a family-friendly, business-friendly public policy environment that promotes workplace efficiency, reduces strain on transportation infrastructure and encourages the deployment and adoption of affordable broadband level telecommunication services.
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