The Technology Policy Institute has confirmed presenters for the 2013 Aspen Forum breakout sessions. The three informal, off-the-record breakout sessions will cover the pertinent topics of patents and IT, copyright and the digital economy, and clearing or sharing government spectrum for private sector use. The Aspen Forum is scheduled for August 18 – 20.
Aspen Forum
Aspen Panel: Privacy, Data Security and Trade – Policy Choices
Europe and the U.S. have distinctly different approaches to data and online privacy. In Europe, privacy is considered a fundamental right, a concept reflected in EU draft general data protection regulation currently under consideration. The U.S. is increasingly relying on multistakeholder processes, such as the ones at the W3C and the NTIA to try to develop consensus standards around which various groups can coalesce. How will the different approaches to data protection be reconciled? How will they play out in the context of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations involving trade in digital goods and cross-border data flows? How will the recent revelations about the PRISM surveillance program complicate negotiation and cooperation going forward? Participants on the panel “Privacy, Data Security and Trade – Policy Choices” at this year’s TPI Aspen Forum will give their views on these issues.
Aspen Panel: Communications and IT – What Can We Expect from Congress?
Top issues being examined by Congress, from immigration to identity theft, have the potential to greatly affect the technology and communications industries. How are the issues taking shape in Congressional Committees? What’s the forecast for action on matters of import to tech? The panel “Communications and IT – What Can We Expect from Congress?” at this year’s TPI Aspen Forum will cover topics such as online privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, video and media, telecommunications and the transition to IP networks.
“A Conversation with the Commissioners” at TPI Aspen Forum
The closing luncheon at this year’s Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum, scheduled for August 18 – 20, will feature “A Conversation with the Commissioners,” with FTC Commissioners Julie Brill and Joshua Wright. The Federal Trade Commission has found itself increasingly in the spotlight on high profile technology policy issues including privacy and data security, competition and antitrust, and intellectual property protection. The discussion, which will be moderated by Politico technology reporter Tony Romm, will touch on these and other issues.
Verizon’s Randal Milch to Kick off Final Day of TPI Aspen Forum
Randal S. Milch, Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel at Verizon, will be the keynote speaker opening the final day of this year’s TPI Aspen Forum. The conference is scheduled for August 18 – 20 in Aspen, Colorado.
Dish Network’s Dodge, TPI’s Crandall to Open Aspen Forum
R. Stanton Dodge, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Colorado-based Dish Network will offer welcoming remarks at the Sunday evening opening reception of this year’s TPI Aspen Forum. The conference is scheduled for August 18 – 20 in Aspen, Colorado. Robert W. Crandall, TPI Adjunct Senior Fellow and Nonresident Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, is scheduled to open the Monday morning session of the conference. Crandall, one of the nation’s most prominent industrial organization and telecommunications economists, will discuss the future of broadband policy and how to avoid repeating past mistakes. Specifically, he will discuss how policy should be informed by the results of past interventions as well as by an accurate assessment of current market conditions.
Aspen Panel: The FCC’s Incentive Auctions – How Can They Succeed?
The upcoming FCC incentive auctions, which aim to facilitate market-based transfer of spectrum from broadcast TV to broader wireless uses, may be the most complex the Commission has ever conducted. Many questions remain regarding how the auction should be structured and carried out. For example, within the constraints imposed by Congress, should the auctions maximize revenues, new spectrum available, or something else? What band plan will best contribute to a successful auction and thriving post-auction wireless ecosystem? What are the implications of potential participation restrictions imposed on certain wireless providers? How can the auction ensure robust participation by broadcasters?
Aspen Forum Registration Discount Extended to July 8th
Discounted registration for the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum has been extended through the July 4th holiday week. The discount of $500 off the regular registration fee is now available through Monday, July 8th.
Aspen Panel: Deconstructing Creative Destruction
Creative destruction occurs when new companies or business models replace existing ones, transforming existing industries or creating entirely new ones. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in the tech industry, where such disruptions can dramatically and quickly change the competitive landscape. The panel “Deconstructing Creative Destruction” at this year’s TPI Aspen Forum will feature start-up founders, market analysts and academics who will attempt to unpack the black box of disruptive innovation by exploring how entrepreneurs take on established industries and the obstacles standing in their way.
Aspen Panel: Competition, Regulation and the Evolution of Internet Business Models
As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives for work and entertainment, there is increased focus on the economics of the internet ecosystem. Are markets for broadband and applications sufficiently competitive? Are they delivering what consumers and businesses want and need? Most importantly, is government providing a framework that encourages investment and innovation? The panel “Competition, Regulation and the Evolution of Internet Business Models” at the TPI Aspen Forum will feature speakers from broadband providers, government and academia to discuss such topics as: the economics of broadband platforms, business models and pricing plans, investment in infrastructure and applications, and the need to update public policies accordingly.