Tech leaders: The Internet of the future will need DC assist

The “Internet of things” may incite policymaker panic — but DC is critical to its success, tech leaders agreed. “The challenge for Washington is understanding when they can and can’t be helpful in that process,” said former-Sen John Sununu, current INSPIRE STEM USA Coalition co-chairman. “There is a role for doing what government can and should do to foster this environment.” The increasing digital connection to everyday lives — from the tracking chip in a runner’s shoe to the app that controls a home thermostat 15 miles away — remains a largely unregulated market. And it’s one that will require a proactive approach, said Alex Torpey, a proponent of open government. Otherwise, “the regulation that will come on the heels of [significant changes] are going to be much more restrictive than they need to be because we don’t know what is going to happen next.”