The Center for Public Policy Innovation Hosts Policy Forum on the 'Internet of Everything'

Experts Discuss the Future of the Internet, its Exponential Promise and Policy Surrounding this Next Big Wave of Innovation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, The Center for Public Policy Innovation (CPPI), a not-for-profit educational think tank, hosted a policy forum for key lawmakers and their staff entitled "Futurist Policy Initiative: Internet of Everything" on Capitol Hill. During the event, which was co-sponsored by Cisco, a world leader in 'Internet of Everything' (IoE) thought leadership, leading experts from government and the IT industry outlined the key policy and regulatory areas they believe will have the greatest impact on helping to foster the future advancement of IoE, the next big wave of innovation worth an estimated $14.4 trillion in global economic value.

Senator Mark R. Warner, a longtime champion of innovation, commented on policy related to the successful adoption of the Internet of Everything noting, "As an advocate for getting more spectrum to the private sector, I'm interested to learn more about the potential for greater connectivity using smart devices. We should also continue focusing on privacy, security, and interoperability as these issues are considered."

The Internet of Everything (IoE) represents a revolution in connectivity that's happening right now. IoE is defined as the bringing together of people, process, data, and things to make network connections more relevant and more important than ever before. Companies of all kinds – not just IT firms, are linking "things" such as smartphones, cars and even household appliances to industrial-strength sensors, each other, and the Internet. Cisco estimates that by 2015 there will be 25 billion devices connected to the Internet and 50 billion by 2020.  IoE is poised to digitize our society over the next decade and foster innovation, new business formation, economic growth, and jobs creation. Despite all of this promise, there are potential policy barriers that could impact its future progress.

"This is a very exciting era for technology, but at the same time, policy has a tremendous impact on the future advancement of innovations such as IoE. By convening a series of discussions on Capitol Hill with leading IT and government experts in the transformational technology space, CPPI is able to inform lawmakers of the exponential promise offered by transformational technology and related policy areas that could help or hinder technological progress," remarked CPPI President and CEO Chris Long. 

"The Internet of Everything has the potential to change the way we live, work, and learn. Our research indicates that there is $14.4 trillion in economic value possible through IoE adoption. All industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to energy, will be impacted. With the right public policy, the Internet of Everything will be the next great wave of the Internet," said Vice President of The Americas Global Government Affairs for Cisco Systems, Inc. Jeffrey A. Campbell.

"In order to translate the huge potential that IoE offers into concrete benefits for businesses and individuals alike, we need to address the real policy and regulatory concerns that could impede global adoption of the IoE," said Member of the European Commission Internet of Things Expert Group and Senior Strategic Advisor of McKenna Long & Aldridge Dan Caprio.

"Our ever increasing ability in data collection and connectivity is already changing how we understand, design and interact with the world around us. It is incumbent on leaders to critically examine the possibilities and address existing challenges in creating a more sustainable and prosperous environment. Autodesk applauds the Center for Public Policy Innovation for being proactive in investigating the implications of the Internet of Everything," said Principal Research Scientist of Autodesk, Inc. Ramtin Attar.

Today's panel discussion focused on key policy areas of IoE including:

Spectrum: The first step to IoE deployment is spectrum. Currently the government owns the largest chunk of spectrum but as more and more devices become connected to each other and the Internet, the demand for spectrum within the private sector will rise.

Security: Another key component in IoE development and implementation is user trust, particularly as this technology utilizes increasing levels of personal and non-personal data. The public and private sectors have an opportunity to work together to clearly define guidelines and expectations for IoE operators in ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Interoperability and Standardization: To facilitate IoE innovation and deployment, interoperability and standards are necessary. According to IoE expert Dan Caprio, "Open standards among IoE devices and technology must be driven by industry experts, utilizing the effectiveness of current global standards-setting organizations that involve industry and government collaboration."

This event is the first in a series of panel discussions CPPI will hold over the next year as part of its "Futurist Policy Initiative" to address policy issues and opportunities brought on by emerging technology.

About the Center for Public Policy Innovation
The Center for Public Policy Innovation (CPPI) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit educational think tank whose mission is to assist government officials in addressing the many challenging issues brought on by the rapid advancement of Information Technology. CPPI provides policymakers with groundbreaking thought leadership on transformational technology, informed policy analysis, and innovative strategies to help ensure American competitiveness in the global economy and comprehensive security on the homefront. Visit CPPI at www.cppionline.org.

SOURCE The Center for Public Policy Innovation