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Technology Emphasis in State of the Union

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 01-28-11 | Comments

President Obama recently delivered his State of the Union address. His speech was particularly relevant for technology enterprise, as he focused on key issues like innovation, tech education and wireless coverage.

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Technology Emphasis in State of the Union
On Jan. 25, President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to an audience not only watching on television, but also online, on tablet computers and on smartphones. The nation's blogosphere and Twitter feed quickly filled with reactions to the speech�many of which focused on Obama's emphasis on technology. Here are three key tech-related points that Obama made in outlining his goals for the country.

Investing in Innovation

A key part of Obama's plan to stimulate the American economy is investing in new inventions and innovation. "This is our generation's Sputnik moment," he said. Particularly important sectors for innovation include "biomedical research, information technology and especially clean energy technology.

"We are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook," he said.

Obama particularly emphasized investments in clean energy, like solar and wind power, which he believes will create new jobs. "Clean energy breakthroughs will only translate into clean energy jobs if businesses know there will be a market for what they're selling," he said.

A Wireless Nation

In addition to challenging technology and energy innovators, Obama also reiterated his support for the Federal Communication Commission's National Broadband Plan.

The White House's Website includes many high-tech features to view and download, like this mobile phone app.

"Within the next five years, we'll make it possible for businesses to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98 percent of all Americans," Obama said. "This isn't about faster Internet or fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every part of America to the digital age."

Some are already skeptical about the feasibility of this goal. Important issues include the affordability of wireless coverage and the many rural areas that currently lack access. Still, Obama's speech confirmed that the next few years will most likely see major changes for both wireless customers and carriers.

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