Brookings launches Center for Technology Innovation

West also praised the administration’s National Broadband Plan, but pointed out most of the costs would ultimately be shouldered by the private sector. The Recovery Act includes more than $7 billion to promote the adoption of broadband Internet access in rural and underserved areas.

“I think it’s a great vision for next decade,” West said. “The key thing is much of the investment is going to come from private sector. The amount the government put up is fairly modest in terms of what is required. A lot of onus will fall on businesses.”

The Center will initially focus on performing research, publishing white papers and convening forums of public and private stakeholders to discuss the most pressing technology policy issues. On July 8 the Center will host an event on immigration policy, which West said is very important to the tech community. Other upcoming events will focus on cloud computing and the smart energy grid.