Matthew_Nickash: We need commercial influence at this point as much as inter-governmental influence. It needs to be a hybrid position or council.

Curt_Monash: A third part of the role is to be an advisor about technology-related legislation. I think is crucial, for example.~~

Government's role in influencing tech development

Jeff_Doyle: A related question: The fed CIO role is supposed to be focused on federal standards and directions, but how much influence do you think it will have commercially, and for international competition? The fed can influence things just by where it spends its money.

Craig_Mathias: Spending what? The federal government is broke. I think the best thing the government could do right now to encourage economic development is to get out of the way. Stop spending money we don't have. Cut taxes. Encourage business formation.