Recode Decode: Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Origins

Nancy Pelosi discusses the origins of the Innovation Agenda, a strategic initiative aimed at maintaining U.S. leadership in global innovation. She highlights its beginnings in Silicon Valley and its evolution into Innovation Agenda 2.0, emphasizing the importance of listening to disruptors and entrepreneurs to foster public-private partnerships 1. Pelosi notes, "The point is to listen to the disruptors, to the entrepreneurs, to the educators, to see how we can come together in public-private partnerships." 1 This agenda has led to significant legislative achievements, with 21 out of 22 proposals becoming law, focusing on education, R&D, and energy costs 2.

   

Partnerships

The role of public-private partnerships is crucial in driving innovation, according to Nancy Pelosi. She underscores the necessity of collaboration between government and the tech industry to address modern challenges, such as education and healthcare costs 1. Pelosi states, "We established ARPA-E and all of that. That didn't exist before our innovation agenda." 1 She also stresses the importance of early education and coding to prepare future generations for tech jobs, advocating for initiatives like Universal Pre-K and computer science for all 3.