The 4th Industrial Revolution is here. We’re entering the era of autonomous vehicles, augmented/virtual reality, quantum computing, and AI powered software that will power the world (enter ChatGPT). These systems will shape and reshape how the country, and world, will operate moving forward. If we leave it to corporations to define the rules and play the game we run the risk of entering very dangerous territory.
On one hand, this new suite of tools and technologies could make the world more equitable through augmenting productivity, democratizing access to information, and manifesting the very best of our shared human values. The other hand looks very different. It’s rife with ever-increasing economic stratification, isolationism, reduction in social mobility, and an increased risk of threats to national security. Which do we choose?
In reality, we’re likely to end up somewhere in between. It is the duty and responsibility of our Legislative branch to ensure that we bend the arc of the country toward the more equitable world. This daunting, complex task is one that I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of. The ability to influence the future of our country, in any small way, is an opportunity that can’t be taken for granted. The fates of a significant portion of the American people hang in the balance.
My motivation for joining TechCongress is to sit at the cutting edge of the policy that’s shaping our world and bring in the perspective of people that have historically been blocked from participating. Minority groups have been on the back end of these revolutions and locked out of the wealth and benefits that are bound to emerge. That won’t happen this time. I’m encouraged to see initiatives like the White House’s pledge to eventually put $1.2B behind equitable STEMM practices through the Office of Science and Technology Policy. That’s a start, but for the U.S. to remain competitve globally it will require the full coordination of the public and private sector to unlock the potential of each and every citizen. That’s work well worth contributing to.