Stimulating The Technology Economy In Nevada: A Panel Discussion

I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion on how Obama's technology policy could stimulate the Nevada's innovation and technology economy in Reno, Nevada on September 23rd. 60 people attended the groundbreaking event to hear a distinguished panel discuss how Nevada could capitalize on certain aspects of the policy like the proposed $150 billion investement in renewable energy--already a targeted area of economic growth in the state's strategic plannning.

The panel included:

David LaPlante, CEO of Twelve Horses

Tim Casey, Co-Founder and Partner at Silversky Group L.L.C.

Donica Mensing, Associate Professor at University of Nevada, Reno's Reynolds School of Journalism

David Bobzien, State Assemblyman for District 24.

When a campaign is reaching out to engage voters on tech policy, that's a sign that something really special is going on.  It's never happened before, at least not that I can recall.  What I came away with from the event, was the re-affirmed conclusion that the Obama campaign is engaging the strategic and innovative thinkers this nation so clearly needs right now.  As panelist David LaPlante pointed out, any future president who is smart enough to ask for advice from technology's best and most revolutionary thinkers, Lawrence Lessig for instance, probably deserves your vote.

Panelist Tim Casey educated all of us about the U.S. patent system and how its inefficiency can stifle innovation.  He also pointed out how closely Obama's technology policy aligned with Northern Nevada's 2010 economic development plan. and how the initiatives in the Obama policy could assist Northern Nevada in achieving the goals outlined in the Target 2010 plan.

Perhaps panelist Donica Mensing said it best when she spoke about the difference in vocabulary used in the McCain and Obama campaign tech policies.  Mensing noted that McCain's policy often used the word "customer" or "client" while Obama's policy is filled with mentions of "community" and "citizen."  Would you rather be thought of as a customer or a citizen by your government?  Essentially, this campaign can be distilled down to this question.