What IT Wants From The Next White House

BILL GATES Bio: Executive Chairman, of Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash.; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Endorsing: Declined to state The Skinny: Gates' active role at Microsoft is declining even as his chariable work as Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ramps up. Perhaps the most famous architect of the computing revolution, Gates is often called upon by government and business groups to advise on sound policy for promoting high-tech innovation and in recent years he has stressed investment in education, R&D and allowing for greater mobility in the global IT workforce.

WHAT HE WANTS FROM THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION (taken with permission from Gates' testimony to Congress on 3/12/08):

I am optimistic about the potential for technology to help us find new ways to improve people's lives and tackle important challenges. I am less optimistic, however, that the United States will continue to remain a global leader in technology innovation. ... In particular, I believe that there are two urgent reasons why we should all be deeply concerned that our advantages in science and technology innovation are in danger of slipping away.

First, we face a critical shortfall of skilled scientists and engineers who can develop new breakthrough technologies. Second, the public and private sectors are no longer investing in basic research and development at the levels needed to drive long-term innovation. If the United States truly wants to secure its global leadership in technology innovation, we must, as a nation, commit to a strategy for innovation excellence. ... Such a strategy cannot succeed without a serious commitment from -- and partnership between -- both the public and private sectors. ... I believe this strategy must place top priority on achieving four fundamental goals:

1. Strengthening educational opportunities, so that America's students and workers have the skills they need to succeed in the technology- and information-driven economy of today and tomorrow.

2. Revamping immigration rules for highly skilled workers, so that U.S. companies can attract and retain the world's best scientific talent.

3. Increasing federal funding for basic scientific research, to train the next generation of innovators and provide the raw material for further innovation and development by industry.

4. Providing incentives for private-sector R&D, so that American businesses remain at the forefront in developing new technologies and turning them into new products and services.

Next: Chris Franey