Washington, D.C., June 23, 2005 - In testimony today before Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee, Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) President and CEO Dave McCurdy argued that the most productive way to ensure future U.S. technology-related job growth is to bolster the foundation for future U.S. innovation.

"EIA does not argue that the rise of young and promising tech sectors in other nations is insignificant to the U.S.," McCurdy said. "Rather, we view it as a `wake up call' - a signal to the United States that we must protect our traditional lead in these industries by addressing failings in our own economy. We should be improving our schools, investing in research and development, encouraging worker training, and taking a host of other steps to ensure that the United States remains home to the jobs of the future."

Since 2003, the EIA has focused closely on the significant structural changes taking place both in the world economy and the high-tech industry through its Innovation Initiative. In 2004, the Alliance addressed these changes and made 40 policy recommendations to improve U.S. innovation and competitiveness in The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads, EIA's comprehensive policy playbook (available free of charge at http://www.eia.org/innovation).

In his testimony, McCurdy noted that the expansion of technology sectors in other countries has received much attention, with many expressing concern that the gains in countries like India and China reflect losses for American workers. "Our members take seriously concerns that US-based workers are not benefiting enough from the expansion of the high-tech sector," McCurdy pointed out. "But more specifically, they are concerned because they are often frustrated in their efforts to expand production and R&D here in the U.S., by counter-productive government policies and a shortage of skilled workers."

The debate over jobs lost vs. jobs gained masks a much larger issue, according to McCurdy: creating an enviable U.S. business environment for high-tech job growth. "The best way to ensure that the jobs of the future remain in the U.S. is to foster an environment where the best choice any firm can make is to locate jobs here," he said.

About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).