Next year tech companies and the vendor community will have a new venue to engage with state government: the Technology and Innovation Caucus will begin convening in early 2016.
On Wednesday, the caucus co-chair, Assemblymember Evan Low, D-Campbell, spoke to Techwire about the goals of the new caucus, how he envisions the tech sector will engage with the group and what type of tech-related issues he expects the caucus will engage on.
You and several members of this new caucus are younger. What advantages do you think that will bring?
When you talk about innovation economy and our technology, it’s something millennials grew up with; it’s inherent in our generation, particularly as it relates to the issues of today. We have members of the Legislature who understand not just the nuts and bolts of [technology], but really have a depth of understanding. It’s not just understanding what a cloud is or the definition of what an app is — but more understanding what UI and UX are and knowing what the online and innovation economy is focused on and understanding the direction of that too.
Having legislators — members — who understand these issues gives a better sense of legislation. When we talk about these issues, it’s important to have a breadth of understanding of these issues. The younger generation, in particular, understands that. I was born and raised in Silicon Valley, so I’ve lived in the region for 32 years. I would argue that this is not only something I grew up with, but something I deeply care about in reflecting the district I represent.
From a big-picture perspective, what will be the aim of the caucus?
Naturally when you talk about the [economic] boom in California and the economic recovery, the tech industry has lifted California out of the troubling times.
The primary goal fundamentally [of the caucus] is to learn about, protect and promote California’s technology and innovation sector. Our caucus will seek to foster and promote technology and innovation, support legislation that creates jobs, improve the use of technology, and engage on emerging policy issues.
I think when you ask the average person at the State Capitol about the relationship between state government and the tech community, I think no one will dispute there is tremendous opportunity to partner rather [having] an regulatory relationship that’s adversarial.
It’s important we have the necessary regulations in place to protect the general welfare of the public, but at the same time how do we foster innovation such that we continue to be the leading region, not only in the nation but in the world: More venture capital is in Silicon Valley than other region in the country.
How would you like the tech sector and vendors to interact with the caucus?
I think we all have a role to play. My obligation is to the welfare of the public and for good public policy. At the same time, we need to find that natural partnership for us to work together. So how do we ensure we’re engaged in conversations that are productive to the end result? Whereas, previously perhaps, it’s been more “us versus them” and the tech community has been on the defense and saying, “We don’t like this legislation because here’s how it would hurt our industry.” But rather, [I want to] help articulate issues in a productive fashion, to say that say here are some areas we need to focus on. How do we ensure, for example, there is the necessary diversity within senior executive positions within the tech companies, because that is reflective of our society? How do we as a state ensure that these companies will thrive into the future when we have an educated workforce by investing in higher education?
Will the caucus focus on technology and procurement within the state government itself?
No. 1, our Democratic leadership saw the importance of the tech community, and thus [this year] formed a standing Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. No. 2, with longstanding members having up to 12 years [served] here, we have the oversight capacity. So we are focused, as part of this caucus, to ensure that we have our own [state] agencies held accountable to the same standards we have in the private sector. How do we ensure we have efficiencies and are using technologies in a fashion that is conducive to the average citizen? That will absolutely be part of the scope of work and the portfolio that our caucus will be focused on.
Why is it the right time for the Technology and Innovation Caucus?
I was just elected last year, and I thought it would be productive, in terms of understanding the governance perspective. Tech companies in my region continually tell me there’s a challenge and a frustration working with the government on all levels. I thought it was important to convene and use this opportunity to have conversations about that. There’s a great amount of interest, and the affiliation consists of any members who are interested in these issues. I’m excited to move forward.
