A Digital Manifesto: Making the First Hundred Days Count

Lead, Strengthen, and Prepare for the Future

The new US Administration should make US global leadership on digital policy a top priority as this is crucial for economic competitiveness and national security. This is a chance to drive a new digital agenda that meets the strategic objectives of the US tech sector and grow leadership and market reach of digital technologies that include frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and semiconductors.

This manifesto, developed by Access Partnership, outlines a framework to achieve this national imperative in the first 100 days after 20 January, one that aims to build momentum across (i) growing US digital leadership (ii) strengthening domestic capability and (iii) preparing for a geopolitically unclear future.

Figure 1: A digital manifesto for the US

Failing to act swiftly risks eroding the US’s competitive edge in AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Delays will allow global rivals, particularly China, to consolidate their leadership in areas like semiconductor manufacturing and digital trade. This could critically undermine our technological ecosystem, whose innovation depends on secure supply chains and an enabling policy environment.

Theme 1: Growing Digital Leadership

“The global race for AI dominance is intensifying. Without a coordinated plan, the US risks falling behind in shaping the technological standards and tools of tomorrow.” – Senior Executive, Leading AI Services Provider

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership: Establish a federal AI strategy that promotes innovation, adoption, and responsible use across sectors to grow US’ global leadership further. Work with allies to promote collaboration and adoption of AI tools. Enhance funding for national AI initiatives, innovation agencies and AI institutes to grow US leadership.
2. Digital Trade Policies: Develop trade policies that promote the export of digital products and services, expanding access to global markets. As domestic tariffs are reconsidered, work with partners to reduce non-tariff barriers in foreign markets to enable greater digital trade to drive uptake and market share.
3. Digital Infrastructure Investment: Allocate resources to develop and maintain the supply of domestically produced digital infrastructure, at home and abroad. Invest in reliable and affordable energy to power the AI workloads. Develop solutions with allies to protect submarine cables from attacks and piracy.
4. Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience: Coordinate cross-departmental support for US chip manufacturers to diversify their markets and supply chain. Update the CHIPS Act by focusing on the right enablers to drive investment in the country.

Theme 2: Strengthen Domestic Capabilities

“Incidents like Salt Typhoon show that cyber threats are evolving faster than our defenses. Strengthening public-private partnerships will be key to protecting critical infrastructure and staying ahead of adversaries.” – CISO, Cybersecurity Solutions Firm

1. Cybersecurity Enhancement: Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens from evolving digital threats. Work with allies to bolster collective cybersecurity capabilities, especially for critical infrastructure.
2. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: Work with industry to build a plan for a resilient supply chain for critical minerals. Invest in domestic capability to process critical minerals and work with allies to develop end-to-end supply chains.
3. Broadband Expansion: Increase investment in nationwide broadband infrastructure (terrestrial and satellite) to ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide.
4. Data Privacy Framework: Collaborate with Congress to establish a light-touch regulatory framework for consumer data protection, ensuring privacy while fostering innovation.
5. Modernising Intellectual Property Frameworks: Encourage innovation through protection of rights, transparent standards and collaboration. Incentivize innovation by protecting developers and creators from misuse of their work and enable collaboration between stakeholders by creating mechanisms for licensing, data-sharing agreements, and fair access to foundational technologies.

Theme 3: Prepare for the uncertain future

“The future of work is digital, but too many Americans lack the necessary skills. Investing in workforce training now will ensure the US stays competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.” – VP  of Strategy, EdTech Firm

1. Digital Workforce Development: Implement training programs to equip workers with digital skills such as AI and cybersecurity, fostering a workforce ready for the demands of a technology-driven economy.
2. Support for Emerging Technologies: Create a pro-innovation, sector-specific regulatory environment that supports the development and adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.
3. Government Digital Transformation: Modernize government IT systems to improve efficiency, service delivery, and security-by-design, making the federal government more responsive and cost-effective.

The new administration is uniquely positioned to deliver on this agenda with its emphasis on deregulation and fostering a business-friendly environment. Moreover, the focus on increasing US competitiveness and streamlining government processes aligns with the manifesto’s call for a robust digital trade policy and government digital transformation. The strong geopolitical stance and commitment to diversifying supply chains align with the need to counter China’s aggressive expansion. This manifesto also allows for partnerships with allies who can also foster collective resilience in supply chains and cybersecurity to manage national security risks. Our manifesto elevates economic competitiveness, promoted innovation, mitigates risk, and creates high-paying jobs for Americans.