All Segments
a16z Podcast | Innovation and Regulation -- What Happens When Policy Lags Behind Technology?
12 segments available
Regulation always lags behind technology, but by 80-plus years?! U.S. Representatives Fred Upton and Greg Walden -- of the Energy and Commerce Committee including the subcommittee on Communications and Technology that oversees almost every technology -- join this segment of the a16z podcast to discuss what government can do to help (or hurt) innovation. We discuss the Telecommunications Act, originally passed in 1934 and revised in 1996 (before the internet, computing, and especially mobile became ubiquitous!); the conversion from analog to digital; what constitutes medical devices (is an iPad a medical device?) -- as well as healthcare and the 21st Century Cures Act, with its implications for patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers looking for the next breakthrough in medicine.
Segments Timeline
The Legacy of the Telecommunications Act
In this segment, U.S. Representatives Fred Upton and Greg Walden introduce the Telecommunications Act, highlighting its historical significance since its original passage in 1934 and its revision in 1996. They discuss the implications of outdated regulations on modern technology and innovation, emphasizing the need for government to adapt to the rapid pace of technological advancement.
"welcome to the a 16z podcast I'm Michael Copeland regulation always lags technology but by 80 plus years in this episode of the pod sonal and I sit down with US representatives fred Upton and Greg Wal..."
Navigating Legacy Regulations
Upton and Walden delve into the evolution of telecommunications regulations, discussing how legacy laws can hinder innovation. They reflect on the transition from analog to digital broadcasting and the proactive measures taken to free up spectrum for new technologies, illustrating the challenges of keeping regulations relevant in a fast-changing tech landscape.
"all you got to call us Fred and Greg Greg yeah remember the Congress we're at we serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee we're from Gregg's from Oregon I'm from Michigan but the Energy and Commerce..."
Spectrum Auctions and Innovation
The representatives discuss the significance of spectrum auctions in promoting innovation and efficiency in telecommunications. They highlight the financial benefits for taxpayers and the importance of clearing government spectrum for public safety networks, showcasing how strategic regulation can lead to technological advancements and economic gains.
"is figure out how to get legacy regulations out of the way of innovation so tell us a little bit more about how that's evolved for you we have mobile phones now like computers we carry round in our po..."
Proactive Regulation in a Rapidly Changing World
Upton and Walden emphasize the importance of being proactive in regulation to keep pace with technological advancements. They discuss the need for policymakers to engage with innovators and entrepreneurs to understand emerging challenges and opportunities, advocating for a regulatory environment that fosters growth rather than stifles it.
"little shot at this with some government spectrum we were able to get cleared in what's called a ws3 and that spectrum the green eyeshade folks in washington said would never sell government never cle..."
The Burden of Regulation on Innovation
In this segment, the representatives express concern over outdated regulations that hinder innovation. They argue for reducing regulatory burdens on companies like Airbnb and Uber, emphasizing that excessive regulation can stifle competition and prevent new technologies from reaching consumers.
"affect the policy space I think the first thing is we come out to places like Silicon Valley and try and get a head start on what's coming see into the future by talking to the innovators the entrepre..."
The Internet and Old Regulatory Frameworks
Upton and Walden critique the FCC's attempts to regulate the Internet using outdated frameworks designed for traditional telephone companies. They warn that applying old regulations to modern technologies could hinder innovation and propose legislative measures to prevent such regulatory overreach.
"be we think about air B&B if they had to live by all the the laws of like they were a hotel I mean that doesn't make any sense or or lyft or uber having a you know be under the regulatory confines of ..."
Balancing Competition and Accessibility
The representatives discuss the need to balance competition with accessibility, particularly in rural areas. They highlight the importance of ensuring that underserved populations are not left behind in the digital age while promoting competition among service providers.
"more spectrum availability unlicensed licensed you know expand out you think what's happen with Wi-Fi you think about what's happening the unlicensed space we've made room for all of that to flourish ..."
The Impact of Regulation on Medical Devices
Upton and Walden explore the complexities of regulating medical devices, questioning what constitutes a medical device in the modern context. They discuss the implications of regulation on innovation in healthcare technology and the potential consequences of overly stringent rules.
"that seems exactly right and I think it was you Greg who said regulators get paid to regulate they like to regulate what what do entrepreneurs here in the valley and that's who you're sort of speaking..."
Innovations from Unexpected Corners
The conversation shifts to the unexpected sources of innovation in healthcare, emphasizing the need for flexible regulations that can adapt to new technologies. Upton and Walden stress the importance of not stifling creativity and innovation with outdated regulatory definitions.
"there now we want safety and deterrent nobody's talking about that and so I think it really is important for policy makers like fred Upton and Greg Walden to hear from innovators who say hey by the wa..."
Consumer Power in the Digital Age
Upton and Walden discuss the role of consumer feedback in regulating technology and services in the digital age. They highlight how rapid communication through the Internet empowers consumers to hold companies accountable and drive improvements in service quality.
"the regulations as well although it sounds like from what you're saying that the policies and the principles still apply markets also change it markets market forces and by the way there are always un..."
The 21st Century Cures Act: A Bipartisan Win
The representatives celebrate the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, emphasizing its bipartisan support and its potential to accelerate biomedical innovation. They discuss the importance of listening to various stakeholders in healthcare to create effective legislation that addresses the needs of patients and researchers.
"do you say that you took an uber lift from the airport last night and I think that makes me you know a smile because if you had a bad ride would you have it haven't even you ever called an 800 number ..."
Streamlining Drug Approvals for Better Health
Upton and Walden outline the key features of the 21st Century Cures Act, including streamlined drug approval processes and increased funding for the NIH. They emphasize the urgency of passing the bill to ensure timely funding for research and development, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and healthcare innovation.
"products when they're approved overseas that's where they get manufactured as well so this is really a win-win we're gonna work that sorry I just interrupt you for a second so you're actually saying t..."