Open Environments Key to Innovation Economy, CEA's Shapiro Tells Detroit Economic Club
ARLINGTON, VA - February 26, 2008: Economic success in the 21st century will be driven by innovation and the ability to access new markets around the globe, allowing U.S. companies to create new jobs and consumers to benefit from technology, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) President and CEO Gary Shapiro said in a speech today before the Detroit Economic Club. Shapiro presented his thoughts on the keys to innovation – open standards and free trade – in a speech titled, “Technological Status Quo: The Oxymoron of Our Times.”
“Change defines our era. It is the campaign theme of the remaining leading presidential candidates. But while candidates can only promise to change the world, technology guarantees it,” Shapiro said. “To the Detroit automakers, I say this: The technology industry is your opportunity.”
Citing new CEA research demonstrating increased consumer demand for in-vehicle electronics, Shapiro encouraged the automotive industry to work with consumer electronics manufacturers to develop a uniform, open standard for electronics connectivity within the car. “Just as Google, eBay, and Amazon created new jobs and new businesses, the next mobile wave will create new jobs and economic growth. The auto industry is squarely positioned to take advantage of this wave,” he said.
Shapiro acknowledged the uphill battle facing Detroit in a slowing economy, but asserted that if Detroit reversed its approach and aggressively embraced open standards and free trade, the city could experience an economic rebound. “Free trade allows American businesses, especially small businesses, to compete and reach their customers on a level playing field,” noted Shapiro. “It is largely growth in free trade that has helped the U.S. stay above water in a rough economic sea.”
Shapiro went on to explain the U.S. economy is transitioning from manufacturing to service jobs and is creating better and higher paying jobs than ever before. PricewaterhouseCoopers recently conducted a study for CEA and found that in 2007 the consumer electronics sector directly and indirectly generated 15 million jobs.
“Free trade agreements ensure our access to technologies and the creation of new jobs. In the last 15 years, the high-tech boom has added 25 million American jobs, with historically low unemployment.”
A complete transcript of today’s speech is available online at www.CE.org. A podcast will be made available later today.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
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