Policymakers discuss the significance of innovative tech at CES 

Each CES brings together innovators and attendees to marvel at the newest tech that is working to realize a better future. The 2022 Innovation Policy Summit (IPS) convened policymakers to discuss the most pressing issues facing the technology industry. CES welcomed a record number of U.S. Senators, influential members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and policymakers from the U.S. government and abroad to talk about these issues.

In an IPS panel with industry leaders from Aurora Innovation, Spartan Radar and TuSimple, there was discussion about the importance of advancing the development of self-driving vehicles and establishing a national framework so this technology can flourish under responsible and safe guardrails. Further, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler voiced support for Congress to introduce legislation for the safe and responsible deployment of these vehicles.

Other important topics discussed at CES through the IPS program were the areas of trade and competition in the domestic tech industry — which is of particular interest to U.S. policymakers. Participants and speakers of these two panels included Congressman Darrel Issa, Tyler Grimm of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Bill Rockwood of Congressman Darren Soto’s office, and industry representatives from Engine, Patreon, Broadcom, Austere and SVS.

Looking Ahead at CES

Technologies of the future also took center stage at CES. In the IPS program, Congressman Tom Emmer and Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association discussed how cryptocurrency should be regulated. Additionally, Asad Ramzanali of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office, Emily Herbein of Congressman Bob Latta’s office and industry representatives from Samsung and John Deere all spoke about the importance of 5G to innovation.

Two issues consumers and policymakers alike are increasingly focusing on are the topics of cybersecurity and privacy. Congresswoman Nannette Barragán and Congressman Jay Obernolte both spoke about the importance of federal action to address rising cybersecurity concerns. Further, former Congressman Will Hurd, Jamie Susskind of Senator Marsha Blackburn’s office and Samsung’s Eric Tamarkin talked about the need for more harmonization between industry and government when addressing cybersecurity challenges. Former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acting-Chairwoman, Maureen Ohlhausen, along with Asad Ramzanali of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office and an industry representative from ResMed also spoke about the need for a national privacy framework.

The IPS program also held panels on accessibility and artificial intelligence (AI). Advocates from the American Council of the Blind, the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and former Acting-Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Mignon Clyburn discussed accessibility in tech. The AI panel also had Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks provide opening remarks, while Peter Brown of the European Parliament Liaison Office and industry representatives from Accenture and SeedAI discussed the nexus of AI and public policy.

CES and its IPS program have always been a place where discourse and honest conversations are welcomed. CES was proud to host U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen, Marsha Blackburn, Maria Cantwell, Shelley Moore Capito, and Susan Collins for a first of its kind bipartisan roundtable to discuss key tech issues facing Congress.

CES hosted other notable government guests including Representatives Lou Correa, John Curtis, Garrett Graves, Steven Horsford, Bill Johnson, Susie Lee, Tim Walberg, and CPSC Commissioner Peter Feldman to speak directly with CES attendees and see firsthand how innovation is thriving.

CES will continue to host policymakers to learn from — and contribute to — innovators from around the world. Policymakers and innovators all share the same goal of a better future. Only by better understanding one another can we truly achieve this goal. The IPS program will continue to foster and promote this important dialogue.