TECHNOLOGY
“To help build a new foundation for the 21st century, we need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative.”
-President Obama, April 25, 2009
Guiding Principles
Innovation in the Economy: Drive Economic Growth and Solve National Problems By Deploying a 21st Century Information Infrastructure
The President believes that modernized infrastructure is a necessary part of the foundation for long term economic stability and prosperity. That includes everything from a comprehensive national broadband plan, to new health care information technology, to a modernized electrical grid.
The President has also directed the National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to conduct an immediate review of the plan, programs, and activities underway throughout the government dedicated to cyber security. This 60-day interagency review will develop a strategic framework to ensure that U.S. Government cyber security initiatives are appropriately integrated, resourced and coordinated with Congress and the private sector.
Innovation in Science: Invest in Science and Science Education
The President has named Dr. John Holdren, a nationally recognized expert on climate change and nuclear disarmament, as an Assistant to the President and the nation’s Science Advisor, and Dr. Steven Chu, Nobel-prize winner as the Secretary of Energy. These are just two of the many leading science experts who are serving in an Administration committed to science.
Innovation in Public Administration: Creating an Open and Secure Government
Strategic federal IT investments will make Government more transparent and accountable. At the same time, Americans will know that these investments by their Government are being leveraged to produce maximum value, and that the security of information systems nationally, and the privacy of Americans, are being protected. Strategic investments in IT are at the heart of the efforts to make Government services more effective, accessible, and transparent.
Restoring a Culture of Accountability through Openness and Transparency of Government Operations and Information
Moving Toward Unprecedented Openness: Change the presumption under the Freedom of Information Act to favor voluntary disclosure of government information to the public.
Making Critical Government Information Available: Working to provide public access to information of public import and concern, such as the Department of Justice “torture” memos, the President’s and Vice-President’s tax returns, the public financial disclosure reports for White House personnel, and presidential records.
Read Technology Issues Progress Report at Whitehouse.gov
Related Quotes
“Information is the currency of democracy.”
-Thomas Jefferson
“A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce, or a tragedy, or perhaps both.”
-James Madison
