When:  Wednesday, May 5, 11 a.m. to Noon
Where:  Room H.C. 5, U.S. Capitol
Who:  Electronic Industries Alliance President Dave McCurdy; other possible panelists.

The issue of worldwide sourcing has become a major topic in the media and on the campaign trail in 2004, but two other issues need even more attention and action from policymakers: 1) the future of innovation in the U.S. and 2) global competitiveness for the U.S. high-tech industry in the face of new economic rivalries from potential `innovation nations' such as China and India. What is the future of innovation in the U.S.? What investments are necessary if the U.S. is to improve its innovation infrastructure by developing and implementing a national technology strategy and vision? The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the nation’s leading trade association for the U.S. high-tech industry, will answer these questions on Wednesday, May 5, at 11 a.m. in Room H.C. 5 at the U.S. Capitol, when it unveils “The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads,” a six-part policy playbook addressing the future of the U.S. High-Tech Innovation economy.

EIA's policy playbook provides 40 proposals on six technology industry-related issues: international business and trade, visa and immigration policy, workforce assistance and training, the U.S. business environment, K-12 math and science education, and research and development. The goal of the playbook is to present a comprehensive plan for the U.S. so that the nation maintains its competitive edge on innovation and ensures that `The Next Big Thing' in high-tech and electronics continues to originate in America, again and again and again.

EIA’s Policy Playbook is the result of multiple Alliance-sponsored high-tech industry working group meetings and recommendations, as well as findings from the EIA January, 2004, “Prosperity Game on Offshore Outsourcing and Innovation.” That exercise brought together industry leaders, researchers, government officials and issue-area experts on China and India in a two-day forum similar to war games that forced participants to think about the future of the U.S. high-tech industry and determine the most optimal conditions for future growth.

To register for the May 5 EIA Policy Playbook event or to obtain a free copy of the Playbook after May 5, contact Neil Gaffney at (703) 907-7792, or by e-mail at Ngaffney@eia.org.