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a16z Podcast | Trade, Commerce, Manufacturing, Immigration, & Cuba -- with Penny Pritzker

a16z2019-01-02
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💫 Short Summary

US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker discusses the Department of Commerce's role in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, and promoting trade agreements like the TPP. The conversation also touches on the Privacy Shield framework, improvements in US-Cuba relations, and the importance of engaging with new technologies and data-driven decision-making to drive innovation and economic growth globally.

✨ Highlights
📊 Transcript
Discussion with US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.
02:09
Pritzker has been the Secretary of Commerce since 2013, focusing on empowering American businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and hire.
Pritzker's background as a business leader and entrepreneur in various industries brings valuable perspective to her role.
She has deep roots in Silicon Valley, enhancing her insights and contributions.
Role of the Department of Commerce in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
03:29
The Department advocates for entrepreneurs in policy-making and serves as global advocates for businesses.
They mentor innovators and host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to support entrepreneurship worldwide.
The Department leads efforts in advanced manufacturing, investing in Institutes to foster innovation and economic growth.
Initiatives include 3D printing, composite materials, and smart fabrics with significant private sector and government collaboration.
Supporting innovation through advanced manufacturing institutes and workforce training.
05:55
Immigration policies impact on immigrant entrepreneurs and the need for comprehensive reform to retain talent in the US.
Building coalitions between Democrats and Republicans for high-value visas and comprehensive reform is crucial.
Moving past election rhetoric to fulfill moral obligations and meet community demands effectively is emphasized.
Comprehensive immigration reform could bring an estimated 1.4 trillion dollars in economic benefits.
08:45
Emphasis on supporting innovators and fostering a culture of innovation is crucial.
A supportive capital system is needed for start-ups to thrive.
Commercial diplomacy can help address inconsistencies in government policies hindering innovation.
Collaboration between government and industry leaders is important for fostering innovation through aligned policies.
Importance of Policy Consistency for Tech Companies in International Markets.
12:19
Policy consistency is crucial for tech companies to access global markets, especially regarding data localization requirements.
Practical policy discussions with foreign leaders are needed to create favorable conditions for tech growth.
Impact of ECJ's safe harbor ruling on small companies and development of Privacy Shield framework.
European Commission's understanding of digital commerce's value and the necessity of data protection for transatlantic business operations are praised.
The Privacy Shield receives unanimous approval from the European Commission for data flow in Europe.
14:55
Annual reviews will be conducted to protect individual privacy and make necessary adjustments.
Ongoing negotiations aim to balance protection and functionality, despite concerns from Data Protection Agencies.
Only four cases have arisen, highlighting the importance of testing the system before making assumptions about its effectiveness.
The goal is to finalize the process this summer for the benefit of international companies.
Recent improvements in US-Cuba relations.
17:51
Efforts made by the Department of Commerce and Department of Treasury to facilitate engagement and trade.
Changes include direct mail, phone calls, flights, and the sale of telecommunications equipment.
Visit by the US president to Cuba showcased the positive impact of these changes on the Cuban people.
Press conference with President Castro marked a historic moment, signaling a shift in relations with Latin America.
Importance of Trade Agreements like the TPP for Economic Growth.
21:53
Benefits for businesses and workers in America emphasized.
Urging the need for compromise and support for the deal despite imperfections.
Role of American businesses in advocating for such agreements highlighted.
Concerns about job dependency on international trade and potential impact on growth addressed.
Importance of standing up and being heard in the business community.
24:28
Focus on trade, investment, workforce development, and the digital economy.
Policy agenda includes open and free internet, trust, privacy, security, and access to high-speed internet.
Emphasizing engagement with new technologies like autonomous vehicles and FinTech.
Addressing impediments to progress, such as data concerns.
The importance of making vast amounts of data available for informed decision-making is discussed in the segment.
26:23
Limited availability of weather data and challenges in accurately accounting for the gig economy in GDP are highlighted.
The value of patent and trademark information in the age of big data is emphasized.
Initiatives like the Commerce data service and the Presidential Innovation Fellows program are mentioned, aiming to involve Silicon Valley professionals in government projects to drive innovation and improve regulations.
The organization assists start-up companies globally and works with foreign commercial service officers in 75-80 countries to navigate international markets.
29:27
A new program called Digital Attaches is piloted in six markets to address digital issues, trade barriers, drive policy change related to technology, and support small and medium-sized businesses.
The organization is focused on providing excellent service to its customers and appreciates their work, with Secretary Pritzker acknowledged for her role in innovation.
The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be included in the discussion.