Oct 31, 2008

We have a treat today for Halloween: the second Q&A with a member of Tech Policy Summit's Advisory Board (click here for our earlier interview with craigslist founder Craig Newmark).

Chris Shipley is a journalist and entrepreneur who is widely known in Silicon Valley for her role as executive producer of the legendary DEMO conference where over 1,500 products have made their market debut, including Skype and TiVo. She's also co-founder and chair of Guidewire Group, a market intelligence firm that focuses on early-stage startups and emerging technology.

Chris is extremely passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, and we're honored to have her share her insights and expertise with us as an advisor for Tech Policy Summit. 

We started the Q&A by asking her one of the same questions we asked Craig Newmark:

Tech Policy Central: When it comes to promoting technology innovation, what do you think the top priorities should be for the next Administration and Congress?

Chris Shipley: Programs that promote and support entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are the driver of the technology economy, particularly in difficult times. They build the companies, hire the workers and create new value.

I'd like to see the National Science Foundation's business development grants program expanded for technology innovation and tech transfer. The funding, relative to viable ideas/need, is remarkably little. I'd like to see investment in regional Innovation Centers. I'd like to see tax credits for entreprenerus who take personal risk to start their companies.

TPC: You meet with hundreds of entrepreneurs from around the world every year. Based on your conversations with those innovators and your own travels abroad, do you believe that Silicon Valley is in danger of losing its competitive edge in the global economy?

CS: I think Silicon Valley is learning that the global market is spawning innovation in every corner; that Silicon Valley doesn't have a lock on great technology invention and innovation.  Still, the Valley remains the epicenter of innovation.  Foreign technology companies believe that they must come to the U.S., generally, and Silicon Valley, specifically, in order to grow their company and capture significant market share worldwide. Silicon Valley's wealth of expertise, capital and experience is a magnetic pull for non-U.S. companies, and I believe it will continue to be in the foreseeable future.

TPC:  If you were to name one tech policy area where you'd like to see greater federal government involvement, what would it be?

CS:  Broadband digital infrastructure is critical to the economic competitiveness of the United States. And, as importantly, it bridges the divide in the U.S. between those who have and those who have not. Access to information is and will continue to be a tremendously valuable currency.  Investment in universal access to broadband infrastructure is an investment in a wide array of health and human services, including education, anti-poverty programs, public safety, crime prevention and the like.

Tags: advisors, broadband, Chris Shipley, entrepreneurs, innovation, Silicon Valley, tax credit, Tech Policy Summit