Technology is ubiquitous in our society and fundamentally changing the way we live today. Technological innovations in areas such as agriculture, banking, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, and countless other sectors are creating solutions to problems we could have only imagined in the past. Concurrently, innovations in communications technologies are enabling individuals and groups, that would likely never interact with one another, to connect seamlessly and instantaneously. These technological developments are the building blocks for a more efficient and effective society that has the ability and information availability to improve lives globally.
However, as society becomes more dependent on technology, for everything from national security and international trade to dating and food delivery, the world might be more vulnerable to disruption than ever before. The interconnectedness technology provides is creating a new threat landscape that if not properly managed could do as much bad as good. Policy dilemmas in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm transparency, best practices for protecting and responding to cyberattacks, and privacy concerns related to governments, technology companies, and illicit actors are very real to anyone who utilizes technology. To address the policy issues that are accompanying technological innovation, we need technologists who can help policymakers appreciate the technical details of specific technologies. It could mean the difference between an effective policy or an ineffective one for a policymaker’s constituents and the rest of society.
The vital role technologists can play in the policymaking process by providing expertise to ensure America is an innovative and responsible leader on technological issues is what inspired me to become a Congressional Innovation Fellow. During my career as a finance, national security, and technology expert I have learned how important Congressional policymakers are to creating an environment for technology to either die or thrive. I want to bring my knowledge and lessons learned from my time in the government and private sector to cultivate technology policy in Congress that will hopefully keep America safe and thriving.
During my fellowship, I look forward to providing oversight and designing polices focused on AI, critical infrastructure protection, quantum computing, and the secure implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT). I am equally excited to learn how Congress operates and build lasting relationships. I am thankful to TechCongress for this fabulous opportunity!
John is currently serving on the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.