President Obama this week met with several technology executives for input on his $825 billion stimulus package, designed to spur an economy that lost 2.6 million jobs last year. The layoffs have a trickle-down effect on the channel. But, solution providers are in the mix, coming up with
creative solutions to help U.S. automakers streamline costs and improve efficiency.
Recently, President Obama called together the top leaders in the high-tech industry. During his presentation at the White House, IBM CEO Sam Palmisano cautioned the attendees not to promote or undertake projects simply for the sake of activity.
"Smarter infrastructure is by far our best path to creating these new, globally competitive jobs and to stimulate growth," he said. "Our research shows that a $30 billion stimulus investment in just three areas -- health care IT, smart electric grids and broadband -- could yield almost one million new jobs within one year."
In an effort to lead the tech charge, the new administration is going to name the first national Chief Technology Officer. That person will be confronted with the challenges of setting a vision for technology in this country.
"We have plenty of really smart people developing technologies at U.S. high-tech companies," said Colleen Smith, director of SaaS at Progress Software (2008 VARBusiness 500 Vendor No. 34). "[But,] we need to figure out how as the United States we are able to use these technologies to our advantage so that we show the rest of the world why we are the leader in technology. We need to use/exploit our own technology to do so.
Some in the community are dubious about the real "muscle" the CTO position will have.
"You've got to applaud the president for trying something different," said Joel Schleicher, CEO of Presidio (VARBusiness 500 No. 69). "But does the structure of the government support this thesis? It sounds like a good idea, but the government has been buying technology for years ... the creation of a tech czar doesn't seem to do much, because that person might not have much [purchasing] power."
And without budgetary control, a CTO is not likely to effect much change.
To create real technological change, solution providers must have a voice in forming policies that will, as Mr. Palmisano suggested this week, re-ignite economic growth, and to create not just jobs, but 21st century jobs.
