Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves told the Information Technology Industry Council that whomever leads on technology will shape the future world order, whether it’s based on democratic norms or the alternative.
He suggested a stable, inclusive, rules-based world order based on the free flow of information, data privacy and an open internet, according to his remarks posted on the Commerce Department’s website Jan. 31.
“How this competition plays out will profoundly shape our economic security – our ability to innovate, grow exports, create jobs of the future and provide opportunities to all our people,” Graves said in his remarks. “It will also shape our national security – our ability to protect our advantages while preserving our freedoms and democratic values at home and abroad.”
Under President Joe Biden’s leadership, the U.S. has a renewed sense of urgency and purpose on the part of government business, and communities around the country, he said in his remarks. That creates a generational opportunity for them to work together to ensure continued U.S. tech leadership.
He asked members of the council to engage with the Commerce Department and the entire Biden administration, according to the remarks. He wanted them to lean into public-private partnerships to further that shared goal of tech leadership.
By working together, he said the U.S. can preserve its technological advantage, according to his remarks. This will spur innovation, productivity, exports and jobs into the next generation. National security will be ensured by methods that promote democratic values and norms worldwide.
