The newly rebranded Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association) says it has created the Disruptive Innovation Council with a mission to “communicate and educate lawmakers, regulators and the general public about the benefits innovative companies bring to the marketplace.” Additionally, the council will help companies to navigate the market and policy challenges.
Boingo, Expedia, Google, GoPro, Lyft, MC10, Nest, Pandora, Uber, WebMD and Yelp are among the companies on the council. To take part, companies must exhibit success, produce a cultural impact and create new markets, or solve or simplify commonly used processes or services.
The council is opened to CTA members only. For membership information, contact Kinsey Fabrizio.
“The Internet has enabled nimble, innovative companies to reshape our economic ecosystem. These companies are reinventing legacy markets and creating jobs along with consumer-friendly new opportunities and services,” said CTA President/CEO Gary Shapiro. “We are excited to be one of Washington’s most vigilant organizations aimed at growing disruptive enterprises. We will fight to ensure the best that technology and innovation can offer to our economy and consumers will not be delayed, restricted or slowed by incumbent businesses using government to stifle progress.”
The council says it has also developed a series of policy principles to guide support for a disruptive industry:
- Innovation should not require government permission
- Intellectual property laws must balance protecting and incentivizing creators to innovate
- Consumer privacy expectations and customized delivery can be achieved with clear disclosure, choice and consent
- Consumers should have the right to share opinions on services and products without concern or fear of retaliation
- Laws should enable innovation, not require perfection
