Issue Position: Technology & Innovation

Issue Position

Our nation has been responsible for some of the most important technology innovations in the last century. We must continue to encourage and support the innovation that is at the core of this part of our economy. By supporting policies and initiatives that create an environment that is friendly to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the private sector, we will remain the world's leading innovator.

In promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, we can create a 21st century workforce and economy that will set us up for success now and into the future. Across Hawai"i, I have seen firsthand the progress we are making toward increasing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education opportunities. Our keiki are gaining critical skills that will best equip them to take advantage of great opportunities and to contribute to diversifying our island economy.

To maximize growth in our economy, we need to strengthen STEM education programs in our schools, attract the best and brightest to the United States, improve entrepreneurs' and small business access to capital, and pass smart reforms to our unnecessarily complicated tax system and patent process. By enacting targeted reforms, we can open the doors for forward-thinking innovators to create more good-paying American jobs and keep our nation's economy competitive.

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