Why Washington doesn't 'get' IT, and how to fix that

WHY WASHINGTON DOESN'T 'GET' IT, AND HOW TO FIX THAT
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Phil Bond, Information Technology Association of America]
[Commentary] As global competition intensifies, America needs continuous innovation. And IT will drive it. So far so good. But when public policy leaders look for guidance from the information technology industry, they are just as likely to hear confusion as they are counsel. For our leaders to get the message, our industry should speak in a unified, powerful voice. Instead, there are more than 16 organizations clamoring for attention from the same decision makers. Sometimes we're saying the same things. Sometimes we're not. The bottom line: Our industry's lobbying, our brand, and our political support are all splintered. We do not have our act together. So what is the answer? To effectively represent our industry in domestic and international politics, we need the best of breed in the following areas under the same roof: The best grass-roots network (including innovative smaller companies); the best congressional affairs shop; the best state and federal IT procurement policy operation; the best political fundraising organization; and the best global network. In short, a grass-roots-to-global political and policy operation.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/16680096.htm