Who We Are

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Four years ago, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) to advance technology’s role in strengthening business by leveraging tech innovations that drive economic growth in the United States. C_TEC promotes policies that foster innovation and creativity and sponsors research to inform policymakers and the public.

Mission Statement

Our nation’s future economic success, growth, and competitiveness depends on a thriving and innovative technology sector. Every company is a tech company and data-driven innovation is the foundation of businesses across the country.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce established the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) to tell the story of technology’s role in our economy and advocate for rational policy solutions that drive economic growth, spur innovation, and create jobs through the backing of a leading national and global business organization.

C_TEC’s efforts extend to every business sector. By convening innovators, businesses, governments, and consumers, with the backing of the U.S. Chamber brand, C_TEC highlights how  tech is everywhere and effectively communications how it benefits everyone.

Our Members Know Tech is Not Just an Industry – Tech is Changing Industries

While C_TEC represents traditional technology companies—large and small, mature and startups—it also serves as a bridge to the other sectors using technology, and where appropriate, brings providers and users together to advocate effectively on core issues of mutual concern.

The Chamber’s vast network and convening power is increasingly valuable to our members who need policy leadership and certainty to grow their business. C_TEC is uniquely positioned to strengthen the tech ecosystem by aligning the voices of traditional and nontraditional tech companies.

For startups, we offer our policy experience and relationships with all levels of government. This allows startups to continue to focus on technology, development, and business growth while we focus on creating the best possible legislative and regulatory environment for them to thrive.

What We Do

Our working groups and committees convene businesses, policymakers, local chambers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to advocate for a regulatory environment that incentivizes innovation

Each with their own policy focus, the working groups meet regularly to engage with each other, as well as policymakers, regulators, and representatives from the Administration. They also develop strategies to advance the goals of the collective group.

These groups include:

2021 Year-In-Review 2022 Priorities

 

Advocacy

As new technologies emerge, there is a growing need to educate policymakers about how these innovations are bettering our lives and growing the economy. C_TEC convenes key industry leaders and members of Congress for open, bi-partisan, discussions where information is shared freely and policymakers leave more informed.

C_TEC also  hosts commissioners from the FTC, FCC, and other regulatory agencies to speak to the business community at the Chamber—providing  our member companies the opportunity to build relationships and have “off the record” meetings with these policymakers. When appropriate, C_TEC’s advocacy efforts include proactively proposing model legislation to serve as a guide for business friendly policy. C_TEC meets with lawmakers and staff about the principles behind model legislation and serves as a resource on behalf of member companies. For example, in February of 2019, C_TEC provided Congress with model data privacy legislation that offers practical policy solutions, crafted with member companies involved in the data privacy working group, to protect and benefit businesses and consumers alike.

Research

C_TEC regularly conducts research on how emerging technologies are impacting job creation and economic growth. C_TEC’s research is designed to create a foundation of data for the public and policymakers—allowing them to evaluate policy though an evidenced-based lens.  Additionally, C_TEC periodically conducts public opinion research to gauge public consumer attitudes towards technology and data.

C_TEC Priority Issues

  • 5G
  • AgTech
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Augmented Reality
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Blockchain
  • Facial Recognition
  • Internet of Things
  • Internet Regulation
  • Machine Learning
  • Micromobility
  • New Economy
  • Privacy
  • Rural Broadband
  • Smart Cities
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Upskilling the American Workforce
  • Virtual Reality

What Others are Saying

Program Staff