Aneesh Chopra at Big Omaha 2011 – Friday, May 13, 2011
Today we’re pleased to share with the you the seventh video in our Big Omaha 2011 Video Series, brought to you by CoSentry.
Having Aneesh Chopra, US Chief Technology Officer, involved in this year’s event was exciting, as it brought a new dimension to the individuals who have shared their ideas and insights with us over the past few years.
Thanks to our sponsor
In the video above, Robert Scoble from Rackspace opened with an emotional testimony on his thoughts of three “storm clouds” that are affecting the future of innovation and the United States.
The first of the three storm clouds Robert referenced is around education and how our schools and secondary education systems are pricing students out of opportunities. The second storm cloud is related to our country’s approach to immigration and how Robert believes we’re closing the doors on immigrants who want to start and build new businesses within our borders. The third storm cloud is related to the speed at which our government is adopting innovative new ideas.
Aneesh encouraged attendees, saying that there has never been a better time to be an innovator. The time is now, he said, to tackle our nation’s challenges through technology, data and innovation. Aneesh said the solutions to those challenges could start right here in the Midwest.
There are three specific areas in which Aneesh challenged entrepreneurs to assist the government in helping transform the way business is done:
- Help transform the healthcare delivery system — move the system from one that focuses on the volume of care to one that shifts towards the value of care
- Help build a learning system that works — move our educational system from one focused on seat time to one focused on mastery, which is independent of time
- Unleash a clean energy revolution — focus on the opportunities that are right in front of us for new ideas and the harnessing of power options
More information on these challenges can be found online at challenge.gov.
Lastly, Aneesh shared more information on Startup Visa and the importance of getting the issue of immigration right for existing and future entrepreneurs wanting to create something bold in the United States.
Current immigration policies force foreign-born startup founders with venture capital and employees out of the country, effectively sending thousands of high-paying knowledge jobs away from the U.S. Through efforts of Startup Visa and others, the goal is to allow for foreign-born founders to stay here and contribute jobs, taxes and innovation to the our country, increasing our competitive edge in the global economy.
Aneesh’s insight and energy were encouraging, and he is extremely bright and understands the space. It will be interesting to see where things progress within this and future administrations over the next few years, as our county is facing not only great challenges but also great entrepreneurial opportunities that stem from those challenges.
To read a recap of Aneesh’s talk, see our post:
“Big Omaha – Aneesh Chopra: ‘There’s never been a better time to be an innovator’ “
Please send your thanks to Robert Scoble via Twitter, @Scobleizer, as this was the second year having him take part in the event, and thank Aneesh Chopra via the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Big Omaha is Silicon Prairie News’ premier annual event held each May to inspire, educate and connect entrepreneurs, especially those with an interest in the tech industry. Visit BigOmaha.com to learn more.
Next up: Thinc Iowa. If you enjoyed Big Omaha, then you’ll want to be the first to know about Thinc Iowa, an event aimed at exploring the common ground between startups and corporations. Sign up to be the first to learn more at thinciowa.com.
