Globally Competitive Business Environment

21st CENTURY COMPETITIVENESS

Fifty years ago, 64 percent of the world’s 250 largest industrial companies were headquartered in the United States. Today only 34 percent of the world’s 500 largest companies are based here. While America’s economic leadership is at risk, our citizens possess the talent, intellect and entrepreneurial spirit to maintain our economic and national security.  To preserve America’s economic leadership we must create a national environment ripe for the kind of innovation and risk-taking that drive economic growth and job creation.  TechNet works with policymakers to develop the broad array of policies, practices and infrastructure that foster innovation and ensure American’s continued leadership in the global marketplace, including:

• Tax Policy. TechNet supports tax policies that allow American companies to compete on a level playing field in the global economy.
• Trade. TechNet supports the swift passage of the Korea, Colombia & Panama Free Trade Agreements.
• Broadband and Internet Policy. TechNet supports providing strong support for the growth and vitality of a safe, secure and free Internet as well as the next generation of broadband deployment by advocating for consumer access to Internet content and services.
• Basic Research. TechNet supports strong national investments in research and development through increased federal funding for basic research and a permanent R&D tax credit.
• Patent Reform. The federal government must advocate proposals to protect IP and end abusive lawsuits brought by plaintiffs using patents as a means of obtaining settlements from legitimate technology businesses.
• Health IT. Federal, state and corporate initiatives that drive the adoption of a modern, integrated and digital U.S. health care system based on technology systems to integrate, coordinate and manage electronic health records can lower the cost, and improve the quality, of health care.