MEMOS FOR A TECH TRANSITION EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES SEPTEMBER 2020 The Tech Talent Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit project dedicated to increasing the ability of the U.S. government to recruit modern technical leaders in order to achieve critical economic, policy and human outcomes. It was founded in 2017 by former technology leaders from the Obama and Trump White Houses. In April 2020, we joined with the Partnership for Public Service to publish Tech Talent for 21st Century Government, which focused on identifying the key positions requiring significant modern technical expertise and clarifying the critical skill sets leaders in those roles need to have. In addition, Tech Talent is pulling together a group of leaders who have the skills the government needs and a passion for serving their fellow citizens. CONTACT
[email protected] PREFACE The greatest challenge of modern policymaking rests not in the development of new ideas, but rather in their implementation. Some of the boldest policy ambitions of the last decade have been derailed due to the failure to understand how a technology works, or simply failing to implement it properly. Recent experiences clearly show this risk. In 2013, Affordable Care Act enrollment was nearly derailed when the HealthCare.gov site crashed. Inadequate data that at times relies on fax machines has hindered the response to COVID-19. State unemployment systems have been unable to handle a recent surge of applications, much less process expanded unemployment benefits now contemplated by Congress. Any presidential agenda in the 21st century must prioritize technology expertise to accomplish its goals. Seizing the opportunities of technology — and ensuring its proper governance — requires leaders who deeply understand how technology can affect the American people, our national security, the economy and our competitiveness in the global landscape.