OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The State Chamber is launching the Oklahoma Technology Alliance, uniting companies to super charge innovation and technological growth in the state.
“Technology is used by every sector of the economy. Every sort of business uses technology. So, technology policy affects every business,” said John Estus, Director of Government Affairs for Amazon.
The Technology Alliance is a coalition of companies that are interested in tech-related issues and making Oklahoma one of the most technologically advanced states in the nation.
“Really, this group is going to have every type of business, every size of business, every sector represented, and all those voices matter,” Estus said.
Tech Alliance will be especially focused on developing policy that grows different aspects of technology in the state and makes that technology enhance businesses across the state.
“The Oklahoma Technology Alliance will be a policy committee on steroids,” said Amanda Hall, State Chamber Research Foundation manager.
The Alliance will be informed by guest speakers who provide insight about the latest in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, digital infrastructure, and other pertinent and emerging technologies.
The Chamber will lead discussions in Oklahoma on technological and developments happening across the nation and which practices and policies are best for Oklahoma.
But the Technology Alliance will not be just sitting around a table, talking policy. The Alliance will be visiting companies and sites with groundbreaking tech and processes to get a firsthand look at the latest innovations, according to State Chamber officials.
The Alliance plans to be ready to act quickly when tech issues and legislation are front and center at the State Capitol.
“Things happen very quickly at the legislature. You don’t always have time to convene large meetings and figure out where folks are at. So, having that already set up, then as we’re going through that legislative process, we don’t have to guess where our partners are at, will know, and we’ll be able to react much, much quicker,” said Jason Constable, Director of External Affairs for AT&T.
The Technology Alliance is not limited to tech companies.
“Tech company or not, it doesn’t matter. We need as many voices in the room as possible,” Hall said.
Constable said it’s critical for Tech Alliance to have as many partners as possible.
“One thing that we realize is that lawmakers come from all varieties. You have urban, you have rural, you have left, you have right. Having companies that fit in all across the state as well — large players, small players — then really you get that whole demographic picture. And then the voices that are important to those given lawmakers, they’re all already represented within the technical lines of The State Chamber. So, their voices are already factored into the equation,” Constable said.
Businesses interested in joining the Technology Alliance can contact The State Chamber.
“The Oklahoma State Chamber has been very smart and forward thinking and creating a vehicle for us as a business community to talk to legislators and other elected officials about tech. We’re looking forward to it,” Estus said.
