a16z Podcast: Of Governors and Mayors, and Tech Policy
Dec 15, 2017
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Doug Ducey, the pro-technology Governor of Arizona, and Pete Buttigieg, the forward-thinking Mayor of South Bend, delve into how state and local policies shape the tech landscape. They discuss the importance of bipartisan collaboration in tackling tech issues like autonomous vehicles and bike-sharing. With insights from their leadership experiences, they highlight how cities can be more innovative while ensuring public safety and health. The conversation emphasizes local governments' critical role in navigating the challenges of emerging technologies.
Bipartisan collaboration among state and local leaders is essential for crafting effective technology policies that promote innovation beyond political divides.
Proactive regulatory reforms by state officials, like lifting outdated ride-sharing restrictions, can create a favorable environment for tech companies and entrepreneurship.
Deep dives
Bipartisan Support for Innovation
Bipartisan collaboration is crucial for addressing technology policy issues that transcend party lines. Leaders from differing political backgrounds, such as Governor Ducey and Mayor Buttigieg, emphasize that many tech challenges like autonomous vehicles and drone regulations do not fit traditional partisan categories. Their shared commitment to innovation fosters an environment where state and local officials can work together to advance pro-technology initiatives. This approach enables them to focus on practical solutions rather than allowing partisan politics to hinder progress.
Adapting Regulations for Technological Advances
State officials are often pivotal in creating regulations that promote innovation while ensuring public safety. Governor Ducey's decision to lift outdated regulations on ride-sharing services highlights how effective leadership can facilitate a more business-friendly environment. This regulatory reform allows Arizona to position itself as a desirable location for tech companies, supporting a culture of entrepreneurship. Similarly, Mayor Buttigieg's introduction of dockless bike-sharing in South Bend showcases how local governments can embrace innovative solutions to meet community needs.
Transforming Perspectives on Technology
The reception of new technologies often involves overcoming internal resistance within government. Both Governor Ducey and Mayor Buttigieg acknowledge the challenges of convincing bureaucracies to adopt innovative ideas while also demonstrating the practical benefits of such technologies, like increased safety and mobility. Engaging with constituents and showcasing successful implementations can help change perceptions and foster acceptance of new initiatives. Leaders must embrace calculated risks to pave the way for future innovations that could significantly improve the quality of life for citizens.
Many of the big tech policy issues of the day play out more so at the state and local level, not just federal level. The decisions that cities and states make every day -- from autonomous vehicles to bike sharing -- may therefore end up setting the stage for broader government policies around new tech.
But where do "politics" come in for these policy decisions? Many tech policies are in fact bi-partisan or even non-partisan, argue Governor Doug Ducey (R-Arizona) and Mayor of South Bend Pete Buttigieg (D-Indiana), in conversation with a16z policy team head Ted Ullyot. This "byte-sized" episode of the a16z Podcast is based on a conversation recorded November 2017 at our annual Summit event, focused on innovation. How can places and people be more receptive to innovation and innovators?
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