Agenda: Thursday, September 21, 2023
2023 Tech Summit Panels
Online Child Safety – Over the course of 2023, numerous state legislatures passed child safety legislation that penalizes good actors, restricts online speech, and limits the ability of teenagers to access the benefits of social media. Florida, on the other hand, took a different approach and mandated public schools teach social media literacy to its students. How can states take Florida’s social media bill as a model? What other solutions can we explore to solve this public policy challenge of keeping our children safe online.
The Politics and Policies of Innovation- Today, the United States ranks second in global innovation, behind Switzerland. Despite America’s dominance, it faces challenges by countries like South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. What can state and federal lawmakers do to ensure the United States remains a global innovation superpower? How can we spur innovation and what would losing America’s status as a global innovation superpower would mean for consumers?
Broadband Deployment- Over the past several years, Florida has taken great strides to close the digital divide and connect its citizens to high-speed internet. Without broadband connectivity, individuals cannot access educational opportunities, work remotely, or enjoy the numerous benefits of connectivity. Despite Florida’s strides, more needs to be done to connect those who remain disconnected. What has Florida, other states, and the federal government done in the past to address connectivity issues, close the digital divide, and what needs to happen in the future to ensure every American can enjoy the benefits of broadband connectivity?
Cybersecurity- As people’s lives increasingly take place online, their data has become a target for foreign and domestic cyber criminals. Unsurprisingly, cyberattacks are now more prevalent, with Florida ranking second nationally for cyberattacks. As a principal target for cybercriminals, Florida has led the nation in crafting robust cybersecurity and working to ensure cybercriminals cannot get their hands on the data of Floridians. Additionally, Florida is at the forefront of addressing the nation’s shortage of cybersecurity professionals with highly regarded cybersecurity training programs being taught at the state’s colleges and universities. What more can policymakers do to be a step ahead of the threats? What is the proper role of state versus federal policymakers? Are there lessons to learn from Florida or other states?
Sci-Fi Now- Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality are fundamentally changing the way humans interact with technology and one another. For all the potential benefits, the technologies underlying and building this new landscape face threats both from nefarious actors along with governments seeking to expand control in ways that could negatively impact the ability for Americans to access the benefits these technologies can offer. How are AI, AR, and VR being used today? What can lawmakers do to assist in development and implementation?
Federal Tech Policy in 2024- In 2023, Congress proposed several bills that deal with tech and innovation, everything from child online safety to content moderation, to algorithmic bias. These proposals not just emerged from Congress, but also from the White House and Executive agencies. What potential threats are on likely to emerge in 2024?
Fueling the Next Generation of Innovators: America has one of the most dynamic, entrepreneurial, and innovative economies on planet Earth. Yet, it faces major global competition to maintain its status. Key to meeting this challenge is developing a workforce that can produce the next generation of goods and services here in the United States. How are leaders in Florida are creating this next generation of innovators and what more can be done to ensure the talent pipeline continues to produce innovators and entrepreneurs?
State Policy in 2024- With a divided Congress, state legislatures have been at the forefront of technology policy. Over the course of 2023, states have moved to pass data privacy legislation, regulatory sandboxes, child online safety legislation, drone regulation, and regulate how individuals can use artificial intelligence. What states are at risk of passing dangerous technology policies and what states serve as a blueprint for others?
The Creator Landscape: Start-ups are responsible for creating roughly 15 percent of all U.S. jobs and have been described as the engines of economic growth. In states like Florida, the economic impact of start-ups is even higher. Despite their importance, the number of new start-ups has been on the decline, faced with hostile government regulations, a shrinking labor force, and dominant incumbents who seek to preserve their dominance. What can lawmakers do at the state and federal level to craft a regulatory environment that supercharges the engines of economic growth.
Innovating in Times of Crisis: In today’s fast-evolving world, innovation in technology has become paramount, especially in times of crisis. This dynamic panel dives deep into the potential of cutting-edge technologies and broadband connectivity, including enhanced situational awareness and communication tools for first responders as game-changers during challenging periods. From addressing emergency situations, natural disasters, and other challenges, these technologies hold the key to creative solutions that can enhance lives and overcome adversity.
