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America’s Path Progresses to a National “Internet of Things” Strategy

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By Marjorie Dickman, Global Director & Managing Counsel, IoT Policy at Intel Corporation

In nearly unanimous vote of 367-4, the House of Representatives approved a resolution this week calling for the United States to develop a national strategy to advance the Internet of Things (IoT).  The House IoT Resolution, H.Res. 847, recognizes the transformational economic and societal promises of the IoT and underscores the importance of a national strategy to ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in technology innovation into the future.

Intel has long recommended the development of a national IoT strategy to help the U.S. reap the unprecedented benefits that the IoT can deliver to improve the nation’s economy and quality of life for Americans.  Last year, we advocated for a national IoT strategy in our February 2015 testimony at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing on “The Connected World: Examining the Internet of Things” and our March 2015 testimony at a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on “The Internet of Things: Exploring the Next Technology Frontier.”  And we applauded unanimous passage last year of the Senate IoT Resolution, S.Res. 110, calling for the development of national strategy to incentivize the IoT.

This year, we have continued to support efforts by IoT policy thought leaders in the House and Senate to advance the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, which would establish the critical foundation for U.S. policymakers and industry to work together to remove barriers to IoT innovation and develop a world-leading national IoT strategy.  Moreover, recognizing industry’s role and responsibility in working with government to ensure a successful U.S. IoT strategy, Intel co-launched the National IoT Strategy Dialogue initiative in June to convene like-minded industry partners and organizations to collaboratively develop strategic recommendations for U.S. policymakers on the IoT.

The House IoT Resolution approved this week is another promising step forward – emblematic of the increasing momentum for a U.S. national IoT strategy.  We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Lance (R-NJ) for introducing this important resolution, as well as Reps. Latta (R-OH), Welch (D-VT) and Clarke (D-NY) who cosponsored the resolution and were critical in support of its final passage.  As aptly summarized by Majority Leader McCarthy (R-CA) upon passage of the House IoT Resolution: “Today, the House took an important step towards a national strategy to keep America the innovation capital of the world.” 

Intel agrees, and we commend Congress’ bicameral and bipartisan enthusiasm for the development of a national IoT strategy to ensure America’s innovation future.  At a time when many Americans believe Congress can do little to help advance important issues affecting their lives and the economy, these across-the-aisle successes prove otherwise.  We appreciate these efforts and look forward to continuing our work with Congress and the Administration in the collaborative journey to a fully-realized IoT vision for America.

 

 
About the Author
Global Director & Managing Counsel, Internet of Things Policy