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Technology learning challenge -- File
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
July 11, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION
FROM:
CAROL RASCO, Domestic Policy Council
BOB RUBIN, National Economic Council
JOHN GIBBONS, Office of Science and Technology Policy
SUBJECT:
LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY
On Saturday, July 9, Deputy Secretary Deutch hosted members of the ETR Working
Group, Deputies from the ETR Agencies and the White House, and interested parties from
other Agencies to discuss how Administration initiatives concerning Learning and Technology
(including related DoD training experience and technology development) can be coordinated
for purposes of implementing the President's Lifelong Learning Agenda and making decisions
on the FY96 budget. From the preparatory work done by the ETR Group, the discussion
among the meeting participants, and the demonstration of a variety of powerful DoD learning
tools, it is clear that we are on the cusp of a revolution in learning, technology, and the
means of communication that could improve the productivity of learning in schools,
workplaces, and homes all across the country. (See attached statement of "Vision").
A variety of Agencies are working on a series of related initiatives to exploit this
unique opportunity. It is clear, however, that we need both (a) to coordinate these efforts so
that the whole is at least as great as the separate parts and (b) to provide a focus, vision and
sense of excitement that will permit the President, Vice-President and the Secretaries to
highlight the ways in which powerful, new learning technologies can help implement the
Lifelong Learning goals exemplified in our Headstart, Goals 2000, ESEA, School-to-Work,
Student Loan, and Reemployment programs.
We therefore direct that the ETR Group work in cooperation with the Committee on
Education and Technology (CET), Office of Management Budget(OMB), the Information
Infrastructure Task Force (IITF) and the Office of Vice-President(OVP) to present the
following five-points for review and, as necessary, decision for the FY96 Budget. The
options will be coordinated through Paul Dimond (NEC) and Bill Galston(DPC) by August 1
so that they can be presented in their full context to the ETR Working Group by August 8
and to the ETR Principals by August 15. The initial members of the teams for each issue are
included in (parentheses), with the Chairs underlined. The chairs are authorized to include
input from other sources as may be appropriate to inform the options and decisions.
Technology and Learning Challenge. Should we have a flagship challenge process
that enables the Administration to highlight our initiatives in this area by catalyzing
learning communities across the country to develop interactive learning tools to help
implement the Lifelong Learning Agenda? Is a focus on learning content most likely
to spur the potential private and public sector participants to join in developing and
using such effective learning tools? What criteria will stimulate the greatest public and
private sector support and creativity to develop learning tools that can be broadly
marketed throughout the country? What size initiative is essential for this purpose?
How can it best be administered, managed and funded? (Dimond, Sperling and
Kalil(NEC), Kunin&Roberts(DoEd), Barram, Probacker&Breeeden(DoC),
Deutch&Finch(DoD), Glynn&Donohue(DoL); Edelman&Golden(HHS), Kelly&
Fitzsimmons (OSTP), Schmidt(DPC), OMB - Edley & Sawhill, OVP - Kollenberger)
Federal R &D, Federal Personnel Training, and Federal ETR programs. How can we
best structure, coordinate and finance the host of related federal R&D, personnel
training and education and training programs (e.g., ESEA, JTPA) to promote the
development and rapid deployment of interactive learning tools that will help achieve
the goals of the President's Lifelong Learning Agenda? (CET - Finch(DoD) &
Robinson(DoEd), plus Edley & Sawhill (OMB) and Portman(DoL))
Federal Information and Data. How can the vast amounts of federal information and
data (e.g., in the Smithsonian, NASA, NSF, National Labs, Library of Congress, and
the Census) be made easily accessible to learners of all ages? What are the priorities
in making such information and data available? What is the cost and source of
funding to make priority information accessible? (Kalil(NEC), Fitzsimmons(OSTO),
Sallett(DoC))
Universal Access. How can we spur or otherwise influence competition so that such
effective interactive learning tools and other educationally valuable information and
data are easily accessible to schools, homes, and workplaces? (Liaison through Sallett
& Irving(Doc) and Kalil(NEC) with IITF)
Communication on Technology and Learning. What is the appropriate framework for
outlining Administration initiatives on Technology and Learning? How can it best be
announced, communicated or shared to build support for development and widespread
use of effective learning technologies? (Sperling&Kalil(NEC), Nelson&Kelly(OSTP),
Simon and Kollenberger(OVP), Breeden(DoC), Roberts(DoEd), Portman(DoL), and
Golden(HHS)).
We appreciate your full cooperation in this important work on behalf of the President.
any thoughts Mule
THE TLC TWO-STEP: A DRAFT DITTY FOR DISCUSSION
One could envision a two-step process by which the Technology Learning Challenge
(TLC) was rolled out for delivery in FY 1996.
STEP ONE: "STEERING" IN FY 95
There are a number of important steps that could and should be taken in FY 95 before
the TLC is formally put in place in FY 96:
In the coming weeks, devote all resources to working on an interagency basis to come
up with FY 96 budget proposal that allows the TLC to have enough money to make a
difference, and that gives us a reasonable shot at getting a good portion of what we
request from the Hill. This would include coming up with a detailed proposal that
outlines the Challenge, how it would be funded, which are the lead agencies, how the
"big grants" would be funded and how the "little grants" would be funded, etc. In
essence, there is a lot of work to be done on this aspect in a very short time -- why
not make it our single focus rather than trying to figure out how to get a FY95 TLC
up and running (although there are things we need to do in 1995 that must be thought
through).
Roll out the R&D groups work in 1995, including the concepts of unified ed-tech
budget requests.
Roll out and begin the programmatic side of the program. This would involve
choosing a few high-viability programs (Goals, School-to-Work, Chapter 1,
Eisenhower, etc.) and making an high-profile attempt to incorporate learning
technology in each of them. This effort alone would be a major step in the right
direction.
Roll out the procurement side of the program, perhaps in connection with
"Reinventing Government" as well as lifelong learning.
Begin serious outreach on the TLC to build excitement, buy-in, and to get advice
from a number of vital players:
--
the private sector, including telecoms, software developers, and
mainstream business groups (the Chamber, etc.)
--
the AFT, NEA, and the broader education community
--
the NGA, and the Mayors
Begin to actively focus the agencies' grant-making programs on educational
technology. For example, steering NIST, ATP, Dual Use, or School-to-Work to fund
limited demonstrations that could "test the waters" in advance of the TLC rollout.
This could be a tremendous help in figuring out how and who to market the challenge
to.
Formally roll out the Challenge during the State of the Union Address, with a follow-
up event shortly after with the VPOTUS and Secretaries to fill in the details.
Work with interagency group to hash out joint application, specs for winning
proposals, and other tedious but crucial details.
All of the above activity should be pointed at the official roll out of the TLC. While
it is true that much of it is not politically sexy, it would allow us, if done correctly, to begin
to hammer home the message of lifelong learning and educational technology as a way of
getting there. That way, when we announce the TLC, we won't be widely accused of straying
off course in our message yet again by pushing a new initiative -- we will have already
planted the seeds in people's minds and laid the groundwork for this all-important initiative.
Of course, we also run the risk of looking overly political by doing this in an election year,
but we would be accused of that anyway no matter when we rolled it out.
STEP TWO: "ROWING" WITH THE TLC
In FY96, the TLC begins. Of course, we won't really be rowing with the amount of
money we are talking about. But it will allow us to play a more active role in the process. It
will also allow us to make a stronger case as to how everything we are doing in this area fits
together -- how the TLC relates to our R&D initiative relates to our Programmatic initiative
relates to our procurement initiative -- because we will have had a number of months to
make the case. If we try and roll everything out at once, the risk is that it is too much to
swallow at one sitting.
Ed of Training riby 6-1-99
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07/01/94
16:05
002
JUL 01 '94 01:04PM NGA 202 624 5825
P,2/11
1994 NGA ANNUAL MEETING
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Preliminary Business Program
06/29/94 5:33 PM
SATURDAY. July 16
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
News Media Registration
Room 302, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
General Registration
Ballroom Prefunction Area
Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 am.
Opening News Conference
Room 306. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
School-to-Work Round Table
Room 304, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Welcome and Introductions
Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina, Co-Chair
Governor Jim Edgar, Illinois, Co-Chair
Promoting Private Sector Involvement in School-to-Work Transition
Guest. Robert Schwartz, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Lessons from
the Field
Discussion of State Activities to Involve the Private Sector
Presentation: What We Can Learn From Europe
Guest: Anne Heald, University of Maryland
German Marshall Fund
Discussion of Trip to Europe for Roundtable Members
Closing Remarks
Governor Jim Edgar, Illinois, Co-Chair
Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina, Co-Chair
1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Policy Forum for Governors' Education and Human Services
Room 204, Second Level
Policy Advisors
Hynes Convention Center
Governors' Staff and Invited Guests
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 Noon on Satruday trhough 1:30
p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94
16:05
003
JUL 01 '94 01:04PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.3/11
Saturday, July 16 (cont.)
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Dinner for Governors, their Spouses &: Invited Guests
Massachusetts State House
By Invitation Only
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Reception for Media Attendees
Boston Billiard Club
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Reception for Governors' Senior Staff and Invited Guests
Jillians Billiard Club
By Invitation Only
SUNDAY. July 17
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
General Registration
Ballroom Prefunction Area
Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
8:00 a.m. . 6:30 p.m.
News Media Registration
Room 302. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Brunch for Governors and their Families
USS CONSTITUTION
Governors, Spouses and Family Members Only
Charlestown Navy Yard
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Brunch for Governors' Press Secretaries
Republic Ballroom A
Plaza Level. 2nd Floor
Sheraton
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Staff Advisory Council to the Committee on Human Resources
Independence Center
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Staff Advisory Council to the Committee on Natural Resources
Independence Center East
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Staff Advisory Council to the Committee on Economic Development and
Independence West
Commerce
Plaza Level. 2nd Floor
Sheraton
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94
16:06
1
004
JUL 01 '94 01:05PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.4/11
Sunday, July 17 (cont.)
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Education Leadership Team
Room 311. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Welcome and Introduction
Governor Jim Edgar, Illinois, Co-Chair
Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina, Co-Chair
Discussion of NGA "Goals Policy"
Discussion of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
(NBPTS)
Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina
Guest: Sharon M. Draper, English Department Head, Walnut Hills
High School, Cincinnati, Ohio
Discussion of Annenberg Education Project and an Update on the
New American Schools Development Corporation (NASDC)
Guest: David Kearns, Chairman, New American Schools
Development Corporation
Vartan Gregorian, President, Brown University
Role of Technology in Achieving the National Education Goals
Governor Jim Edgar, Illinois
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Health Care Leadership Team
Room 304, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Roy Romer, Colorado, Co-Chair
Tommy G. Thompson, Wisconsin, Co-Chair
Health Care Waivers
Guest: Bruce Vladeck, Administrator
Health Care Financing Administration
Discussion of Health Care Reform Legislation
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Welfare Reform Leadership Team
Ballroom A. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor John Engler, Michigan, Co-Chair
Governor Tom Carper, Delaware, Co-Chair
Brief Update on Federal Welfare Reform Initiatives
Governor Tom Carper, Delaware
Governor John Engler, Michigan
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 pm. on Monday
07/01/94
16:07
4.
005
JUL 01 '94 01:05PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.5/11
Sunday, July 17 (cont.)
Preventing Teen Pregnancy: Lessons Learned From Model Initiatives
Governor Tom Carper, Delaware, Moderator
Guests: Governors Council on Adolescent Pregnancy. Ann Mulligan,
Executive Director, Governor's Council, Maryland
Teen Companion Program, James E. Kirk, Deputy State
Director, Department of Social Services, South Carolina
Family Life and Sex Education Program, Dr. Michael A.
Carrera, Director, National Adolescent Sexuality Training
Center, Children's Aid Society, New York City, New York
Creating Jobs and Rewarding Work: for Families on Welfare: New
Approaches
Governor John Engler, Michigan, Moderator
Guests: Making Work Pay for AFDC Families, Dr. Gerald H.
Miller, Director, Department of Social Services, Michigan
Diverting Low Income Working families form Welfare,
Maryann Stevens, RISE Program Specialist, Western
Region, State of Utah
Creating Jobs for AFDC Families, Wayne Rowley,
President, Industrial Exchange (IndEx) Corporation, Tulsa,
Oklahoma
1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Opening Plenary Session
Ballrooms B & C. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., South Carolina, Chair
Welcome to Massachusetts and Boston
Governor Bill Weld, Massachusetts and Mayor Thomas M. Menino
Introduction of Technology Exhibits
Governor Mel Carnahan, Missouri
National Service - Opportunities for Excellence
City Year: "Putting Idealism to Work"
Guests:
Co-Founder
Corps Member
Corps Member
Corps Member
Corps Member
Corps Member
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ABCD
Corporation
NGA Distinguished Service Awards
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94 16:07
JUL 01 '94 01:05PM NGA 202 624 5825
1
006
P.6/11
Sunday, July 17 (cont.)
Federalism and Unfunded Mandates
Governor George V, Voinovich, Ohio
Governor Bruce Sundlun, Rhode Island
Health Care Reform
Guests: Bi-partisan Congressional Leadership Members
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Governors-Only Session
Room 207, Second Level
Hynes Convention Center
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chiefs of Staff Session
Commonwealth Room
Conference Level. 3rd Floor
Sheraton
5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Chiefs of Staff Reception
Commonwealth Room
Conference Level, 3rd Floor
Sheraton
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Lobster and Clam Bake
John F. Kennedy Library
Reception and Dinner for All Meeting Attendees
and Museum
MONDAY. July 18
7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
News Media Registration
Room 302, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
General Registration
Ballroom Prefunction Areas
Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Meeting of the Democratic Governors' Association
(See page XX for details.)
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Meeting of the Republican Governors Association
(See page XX for details.)
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94
16:08
1
007
JUL 01 '94 01 05PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.7/11
9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Economic Development and Commerce
Room 311. Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Terry E. Branstad, Iowa, Chair
Telecommunications
Transportation . Clean Air Act
Guest: Secretary Federico Peña
U.S. Department of Transportation
GATT - Adoption and Implementation
Guest: Ambassador Mickey Kantor
United States Trade Representative
Consideration of Proposed Policy
Enhancing the State Role in Science and Technology Policy
Guests: Former Governor Richard Thornburgh
Dr. Jack Gibbons, President's Science Advisor
9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Human Resources
Room 304, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Pete Wilson, California, Chair
Consolidation of Federal Programs to Improve the Delivery of
Employment and Training Services
Service Integration: Federal and State Programmatic Barriers to
Service Integration: Lessons Learned
Guests: Jane Henderson, State of California Service Integration
Consideration of Proposed Policies
9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Natural Resources
Ballroom A, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Bob Miller, Nevada, Chair
Risk Management: Making the Right Choices
Guest: Dr. John Graham, Harvard School of Public Health
The State Role in Development Environmental Technologies
Guest: Dr. Jack Gibbons, President's Science Advisor
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m: on Monday.
07/01/94
16:08
4.
008
JUL 01 'S4 01:06PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.B/11
Monday, July 18 (cont.)
Consideration of Proposed Policy
Discussion of Pending Environmental Legislation
Guest: Administrator Carol M. Browner
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Governors-Only Lunch and Business Session (Priority Setting)
Room 207. Second Level
Hynes Convention Center
11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Chiefs of Staff Luncheon
Room 204, Second Level
Hynes Convention Center
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Second Plenary Session/Executive Committee Meeting
Ballrooms B & C, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., South Carolina, Chair
Remarks by Senator Bob Dole (R-Kan.) (PENDING)
Invitation to the Special Olympics
Governor Lowell P. Weicker Jr., Connecticut
Discussion of Education Issues
Report of the Goals Panel Chair, Governor John R. McKernan Jr.,
Maine
Report on National Board for Professional Teaching Standards,
Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina
U.S. First: Promoting Interest in Math and Science
Guest: Dean Kamen, Founder of U.S. First
Executive Committee Business
Consideration of Proposed Policy
Administrative Issues
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Boston Pops Concert and Multicultural Festival
Symphony Hall
Reception and Dinner for All Meering Attendees
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94
16:09
009
JUL 01 '94 01:06PM NGA 202 624 5825
P.9/11
TUESDAY, July 19
7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
News Media Registration
Room 302, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
General Registration
Ballroom Prefunction Area
Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Regional Governors' Association Meetings
(See page XX for details.)
9:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Closing Plenary Session
Ballrooms B & C, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., South Carolina, Chair
Chairman's Remarks
Telecommunications Presentation
Governors Discussion of Telecommunications
Governor Terry E. Branstad, lowa
Remarks by the President (PENDING)
Consideration of Proposed Policy
Report of the Nominating Committee/Election of Officers
Recognition of Departing Chair
Remarks of the 1994-95 Chair
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Closing News Conference
Room 306, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1994-95 Executive Committee and Standing Committee Chairs
Room 304, Third Level
Hynes Convention Center
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94 16:09
JUL 01 '94 01:06PM NGA 202 624 5825
1.
010
ANCILLARY MEETINGS
Saturday, July 16
8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
National Education Goals Panel General Session
Republic Ballroom B
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
Sunday, July 17
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Council of Governors' Policy Advisors (CGPA)
Beacon D
Member Breakfast Meeting
Conference Level, 3rd Floor
Sheraton
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
National Governors' Security Association
Room 205, Second Level
Hynes Convention Center
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Southern Governors' Association (SGA) Staff Advisory Council
Beacon E
Conference Level, 3rd Floor
Sheraton
Monday, July 18
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Meeting of the Democraric Governors' Association
Independence Room
Plaza Level. 2nd Floor
Sheraton
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Meeting of the Republican Governors Association
Constitution Room
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Appalachian Regional Commission States Meeting
Republic Ballroom A
Plaza Level. 2nd Floor
Sheraton
Tuesday. July 19
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Appalachian Regional Commission
Republic Ballroom B
Plaza Level. 2nd Floor
Sheraton
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Coalition of Northeastern Governors and the New England Governors'
Constitution Room
Conference
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
07/01/94
16:10
1
011
JUL 01 '94 01:07PM NGA 202 624 5825
P. 11/11
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Midwestern Governors' Conference
Independence East
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Western Governors' Association
Independence West
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Council of Great Lakes Governors
Republic Ballroom A
Plaza Level, 2nd Floor
Sheraton
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
National Governors' Security Association
Room 205. Second Level
Hynes Convention Center
NOTE:
Innovative State Applications of Technology will be on display from 12:00 noon on Saturday through
1:30 p.m. on Monday.
MEMORANDUM
To:
ETR Working Group on Learning Productivity
From:
Tom Kalil
Re:
Community Learning Challenge
Date:
July 5, 1994
One of the questions we have not answered in sufficient detail is: "Who are
we challenging, and what are we challenging them to do?"
The major challenge is that all classrooms should be connected to the
NII by the year 2000. This challenge was made in the President's State of the
Union Address and the Vice President's speech in LA. This challenge needs to be
directed to the private sector, the governors, and the FCC, which, in conjunction
with the state public utility commissioners, will be defining what "universal
service" means and how it will be financed.
Although this should be a central element of our initiative, it should not be
the major focus of any grant program. The costs associated with "wiring
classrooms" are simply too large for a grant program to have much of an impact.
We need to identify challenges where a small amount of grant money could
have a significant impact. These are the kind of scenarios I have in mind:
1.
Subject experts from around the country team up to develop networked
information and multimedia modules on a variety of subjects (e.g. math,
science, history, foreign language, adult literacy). Some of the material is
freely available, some (with private sector participation) is "pay per use" or
must be licensed.
2.
Thousands of professionals and companies volunteer to increase the
learning productivity of our schools. Individuals and companies contribute
to this national goal by:
-
Providing technical assistance to schools to help them get connected;
-
Recycling computers (e.g. 386s);
-
Participating in an "Ask a Scientist" program; and
-
Donating spare computer cycles.
3.
Experts develop easy to understand training material for teachers so that
they feel comfortable using these technologies in the classroom.
4.
Software developers develop tools that make the Internet accessible to
Americans with disabilities.
5.
Industries cooperate to develop training modules for vocational education
and school-to-work, such as statistical process control.
6.
Software vendors compete for a prize and national recognition by developing
educational software that runs on game platforms.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY
OF DEFENSE FOR READINESS
FAX COVER SHEET
TO: Caul Diminel
OFFICE:
PHONE:
FAX: (202)456-2223
FROM: Lou Sinch
OFFICE: DUSD/R
PHONE: (703) 693-0466
FAX: (703) 697-6691
DATE: 6/30
TOTAL PAGES (INCLUDING COVER SHEET): 6
COMMENTS:
I'd
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MEMO TO:
PAUL DIMOND
6/30/94
Paul --
Attached is a first cut at the "2-pager" we discussed. (I
obviously didn't get it in under two pages, but can edit it back
once we settle on content.) It is designed to do several things:
Form an agenda for our July 9th meeting.
Report to Cabinet-level principals on how we're doing.
Give everyone a common sense of purpose and direction.
Develop an articulation of the Learning Challenge and a plan
to flesh it out and promote it.
Construct a clearer relationship between the Challenge Tiger
Team and the other 3 Tiger Teams
Focus the Challenge on stimulating development of learning
content where we probably need most work (and to avoid
conflict between this initiative and others -- e.g., NII).
Please let me know what you think of this on substance, and
when/how we ought to send it out.
Thanks,
Dr
Lou Finch
C.C. Henry Kelly
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MEMORANDUM TO THE SECRETARY OF
FROM:
RUBIN (?), DEUTCH (?)
Roul Dewond
Bell Galston
hou kwich
SUBJECT: Status and Future Plans of the Education, Training and
Reemployment (ETR) Policy Working Group Concerning Improving the
Productivity of Learning through Technology
In February, the President suggested establishing an interagency
forum to develop and coordinate administration programs on
education, training and reemployment -- what became the ETR
Policy Working Group. Since then we have made considerable
progress in On behalf of the Group would like to report on our
rogress
decomplishments to date,
and to propose future activities
spect in to
your consideration.
optroustor
lifelong learning
deral
proving Intia the
Benaucing education and training programs mane and distementaly Goals 2000
harmy
Progress to Date
and the School work Opportunities Act. Here we
hrough
chrology,
The ETR Working Group has considered the full range of programs
and proposals that have for improving various facets of
education, training and reemployment One area that the Group
has found particularly promising is learning productivity. It is
here that we seem to be on the cusp of a revolution for how we
educate our youth and train our workers.
The catalyst for this budding revolution is the maturing of
several new technologies -- interactive computer learning
software, video games, cheap multimedia PCs, the NII. Together,
they can avail the power of tutor-style learning -- greater
speed, higher quality, more motivation -- to Americans across the
socio-economic spectrum at a reasonable price. This in turn can
provide:
American workers with the training tools to learn quickly the
new skills needed to gain and keep good jobs.
American students with the wherewithal to achieve unsurpassed
academic excellence.
Proposed Strategy
With these conditions in hand, the ETR Policy Working Group is
developing approaches for the administration to use federal
policies and programs to nurture this revolution, and to build
public support needed to carry it out. The strategy the Group
proposes is not oriented toward federal provision of the hardware
and software tools for this revolution. This would be
prohibitive, given the enormity of the American labor and
educational infrastructure.
Rather, the Group's proposed strategy is premised on using small
amounts of federal fiscal and intellectual capital to test
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whether the hypothesized revolution is real, and if it proves so,
to demonstrate its power to the public. If this demonstration
succeeds, the stimulation of learning productivity markets in
regional and local communities will follow as a natural
consequence, with private and local investment carrying forth the
revolution to maturity.
Focus on Needs
For the revolution to take off, three technologies need be in
place. Multimedia PCs need to be present throughout our
communities -- schools, libraries, homes. Networks need to
connect them -- Internet now leading to the mature NII. Software
packages need to be developed and proliferated that combine
learning content and entertainment -- tutor-style learning in a
video game format for a variety of student education and job
training applications. of these technology needs, much is being
done on the first two. It is the latter where the Group
believes new focused efforts are needed.
Proposed Initiative
To stimulate development and application of learning content
technologies, the Group proposes that the administration launch a
"Learn-Tech Challenge" to American communities. These
communities could be local, regional, or electronically-linked
"virtual." This challenge would:
Ask communities to organize consortia to make learning
technologies accessible to students and/or workers.
Envision that the consortia be organized by communities,
consisting of users (e.g., schools, employers), suppliers
(e.g., learning content software firms) and distributors
(e.g., local phone/cable networks).
Provide modest federal funding focused on stimulating the
learning content element of the program. (The federal
government would also provide support for other elements
through other programs -- the NII being a notable example.
The federal government would also make learning content
software directly available where it exists -- e.g., DoD
training software.)
Conduct experiments to determine where the high-leverage
investments in learning productivity are, and if successful,
to demonstrate convincingly to the nation that the learning
productivity revolution is at hand and worthy of further
investment.
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Filling Out the Initiative
Before considering whether to launch this initiative, it needs to
be filled out in several important details, including:
Targets -- What groups of students and/or trainees should be
the beneficiaries? What communities should be challenged?
What organizations should constitute the consortia?
Selection -- What should be the criteria for selection? Who
should do the selection? What are useful roles for those not
selected?
Funding -- What amounts of federal funding are needed? In
which agency (ies) should budgets reside? Who should control
allocation and expenditure of funds? Which congressional
committees should have jurisdiction?
Evaluation -- What measures of performance should be used?
How should performance data be collected and used? What
control groups should be used?
Presentation -- How and when should this proposal be exposed
to the public? How should congressional support be assured?
To fill out these details, the ETR Group has established a
Learning Challenge Tiger Team. This team will, with
representation of interested agencies, provide recommended
answers the questions posed above.
Other Learning Productivity Programs
Beyond the specific proposal above, the Federal Government has
large number of programs in place or planned that move forward
the learning productivity agenda. We do not now have, however, a
comprehensive view of what these programs are, how they are
related in a coherent overall strategy, and how they might be
used to support the proposed Learn-Tech Challenge.
To gain this comprehensive perspective, the ETR Group also
established three other Tiger Teams. The areas covered by these
Teams are 1) federal procurement programs; 2) federal R&D
programs; and 3) federal policies and programs (including the
NII) related to leaning productivity as an emerging growth
industry. Within their areas of responsibility, the teams will
a) catalog programs across agencies relevant to learning
productivity; b) recommend program modifications to ensure that
they support, where possible, the Learn-Tech Challenge; and c)
develop initiatives for new policies and programs that would
stimulate private investment directed at fulfilling needs of the
learning productivity revolution that are otherwise not being
met.
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Next Steps
John Deutch has agreed to host on July 9 a meeting at the Deputy
level of the ETR Group. Its purpose will be to review the work
of the Tiger Teams to date, and to set out a plans of action,
both for the Learn-Tech Challenge and the administrations overall
agenda for learning productivity. In addition, DoD will present
a series of demonstrations on its applications of technologies to
boost learning productivity.
The plans of action from this meeting will consider, among other
things, future events to help form, and bring support for our
learning productivity agenda. These might include: 1) A public
workshop where Cabinet members could hear views from leaders and
experts from communities, schools, and industry to help shape the
agenda; 2) Release of a White Paper on learning productivity and
the administration's strategy, policies and programs to promote
it; 3) Public announcement of plans to shift federal R&D funding
priorities with greater emphasis on learning technologies; and 4)
A public event to launch the Learn-Tech Challenge.
Following the July 9 meeting, I anticipate the John Deutch will
provide to you, on behalf of the Group, and assessment of where
we stand, and recommendations for how we should proceed with this
overall effort.
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NOS
THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE:
AGENDA FOR ACTION
Information Infrastructure
Task Force
September 15, 1993
THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE:
AGENDA FOR ACTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Executive Summary
3
The NII: Agenda for Action
5
Benefits and Application Examples
13
Information Infrastructure Task Force
19
U.S. Advisory Council on the NII
21
NII Accomplishments to Date
23
Key Contacts
25
THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE:
AGENDA FOR ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
research programs and grants to help the private sector
develop and demonstrate technologies needed for the NII,
and develop the applications and services that will maxi-
All Americans have a stake in the construction of an
mize its value to users.
advanced National Information Infrastructure (NII), a seam-
Promote seamless, interactive, user-driven opera-
less web of communications networks, computers, data-
tion of the NII. As the NII evolves into a "network of
bases, and consumer electronics that will put vast amounts
networks," government will ensure that users can transfer
of information at users' fingertips. Development of the NII
information across networks easily and efficiently. To
can help unleash an information revolution that will change
increase the likelihood that the NII will be both interactive
forever the way people live, work, and interact with each
and, to a large extent, user-driven, government must
other:
reform regulations and policies that may inadvertently
People could live almost anywhere they wanted, with-
hamper the development of interactive applications.
out foregoing opportunities for useful and fulfilling
Ensure information security and network reliability.
employment, by "telecommuting" to their offices through
The NII must be trustworthy and secure, protecting the
an electronic highway;
privacy of its users. Government action will also ensure
The best schools, teachers, and courses would be
that the overall system remains reliable, quickly repair-
available to all students, without regard to geography,
able in the event of a failure and, perhaps most impor-
distance, resources, or disability;
tantly, easy to use.
Services that improve America's health care system
Improve management of the radio frequency spec-
and respond to other important social needs could be
trum, an increasingly critical resource.
available on-line, without waiting in line, when and
Protect intellectual property rights. The Administra-
where you needed them.
tion will investigate how to strengthen domestic copy-
Private sector firms are already developing and deploy-
right laws and international intellectual property treaties
ing that infrastructure today. Nevertheless, there remain
to prevent piracy and to protect the integrity of intellectual
essential roles for government in this process. Carefully
property.
crafted government action will complement and enhance
Coordinate with other levels of government and with
the efforts of the private sector and assure the growth of an
other nations. Because information crosses state, re-
information infrastructure available to all Americans at
gional, and national boundaries, coordination is critical to
reasonable cost. In developing our policy initiatives in this
avoid needless obstacles and prevent unfair policies that
area, the Administration will work in close partnership with
handicap U.S. industry.
business, labor, academia, the public, Congress, and state
and local government. Our efforts will be guided by the
Provide access to government information and im-
following principles and objectives:
prove government procurement. The Administration
will seek to ensure that Federal agencies, in concert with
Promote private sector investment, through appro-
state and local governments, use the NII to expand the
priate tax and regulatory policies.
information available to the public, ensuring that the
Extend the "universal service" concept to ensure
immense reservoir of government information is avail-
that information resources are available to all at
able to the public easily and equitably. Additionally,
affordable prices. Because information means empow-
Federal procurement policies for telecommunications
erment-and employment-the government has a duty
and information services and equipment will be designed
to ensure that all Americans have access to the resources
to promote important technical developments for the NII
and job creation potential of the Information Age.
and to provide attractive incentives for the private sector
Act as catalyst to promote technological innovation
to contribute to NII development.
and new applications. Commit important government
3
The time for action is now. Every day brings news of
The benefits of the NII for the nation are immense. An
change: new technologies, like hand-held computerized
advanced information infrastructure will enable U.S. firms to
assistants; new ventures and mergers combining businesses
compete and win in the global economy, generating good
that not long ago seemed discrete and insular, new legal
jobs for the American people and economic growth for the
decisions that challenge the separation of computer, cable,
nation. As importantly, the NII can transform the lives of the
and telephone industries. These changes promise substantial
American people - ameliorating the constraints of geogra-
benefits for the American people, but only if government
phy, disability, and economic status - giving all Americans
understands fully their implications and begins working with
a fair opportunity to go as far as their talents and ambitions
the private sector and other interested parties to shape the
will take them.
evolution of the communications infrastructure.
4
THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE:
AGENDA FOR ACTION
Version 1.0
L The Promise of the NII
Information is one of the nation's most critical economic
resources, for service industries as well as manufacturing, for
economic as well as national security. By one estimate, two-
Imagine you had a device that combined a telephone, a
thirds of U.S. workers are in information-related jobs, and the
TV, camcorder, and a personal computer. No matter where
rest are in industries that rely heavily on information. In an
you went or what time it was, your child could see you and
era of global markets and global competition, the technolo-
talk to you, you could watch a replay of your team's last
gies to create, manipulate, manage and use information are of
game, you could browse the latest additions to the library, or
strategic importance for the United States. Those technolo-
you could find the best prices in town on groceries, furniture,
gies will help U.S. businesses remain competitive and create
clothes - whatever you needed.
challenging, high-paying jobs. They also will fuel economic
growth which, in turn, will generate a steadily-increasing
Imagine further the dramatic changes in your life if:
standard of living for all Americans.
The best schools, teachers, and courses were available to
all students, without regard to geography, distance, re-
That is why the Administration has launched the National
sources, or disability;
Information Infrastructure initiative. We are committed to
working with business, labor, academia, public interest groups,
The vast resources of art, literature, and science were
Congress, and state and local government to ensure the
available everywhere, not just in large institutions or big-
development of a national information infrastructure (NII)
city libraries and museums;
that enables all Americans to access information and com-
Services that improve America's health care system and
municate with each other using voice, data, images or video
respond to other important social needs were available on-
at anytime, anywhere. By encouraging private sector invest-
line, without waiting in line, when and where you needed
ment in the NII's development, and through government
them;
programs to improve access to essential services, we will
You could live in many places without foregoing oppor-
promote U.S. competitiveness, job creation and solutions to
tunities for useful and fulfilling employment, by
pressing social problems.
"telecommuting" to your office through an electronic
highway instead of by automobile, bus or train;
II. What Is the NII?
Small manufacturers could get orders from all over the
world electronically - with detailed specifications - in
The phrase "information infrastructure" has an expansive
a form that the machines could use to produce the neces-
meaning. The NII includes more than just the physical
sary items;
facilities used to transmit, store, process, and display voice,
data, and images. It encompasses:
You could see the latest movies, play your favorite video
games, or bank and shop from the comfort of your home
A wide range and ever-expanding range of equipment
whenever you chose;
including cameras, scanners, keyboards, telephones, fax
You could obtain government information directly or
machines, computers, switches, compact disks, video and
through local organizations like libraries, apply for and
audio tape, cable, wire, satellites, optical fiber transmis-
sion lines, microwave nets, switches, televisions, montors,
receive government benefits electronically, and get in
printers, and much more.
touch with government officials easily; and
Individual government agencies, businesses and other
The NII will integrate and interconnect these physical com-
entities all could exchange information electronically -
ponents in a technologically neutral manner so that no one
reducing paperwork and improving service.
industry will be favored over any other. Most importantly,
5
the NII requires building foundations for living in the Infor-
sector is already developing and deploying such an infra-
mation Age and for making these technological advances
structure today. The United States communications system
useful to the public, business, libraries, and other nongovern-
- the conduit through which most information is accessed
mental entities. That is why, beyond the physical compo-
or distributed - is second to none in speed, capacity, and
nents of the infrastructure, the value of the National Informa-
reliability. Each year the information resources, both hard-
tion Infrastructure to users and the nation will depend in large
ware and software, available to most Americans are substan-
part on the quality of its other elements:
tially more extensive and more powerful than the previous
year.
The information itself, which may be in the form of
video programming, scientific or business databases,
The private sector will lead the deployment of the NII. In
images, sound recordings, library archives, and other
recent years, U.S. companies have invested more than $50
media. Vast quantities of that information exist today in
billion annually in telecommunications infrastructure -
government agencies and even more valuable informa-
and that figure does not account for the vast investments
tion is produced every day in our laboratories, studios,
made by firms in related industries, such as computers. In
publishing houses, and elsewhere.
contrast, the Administration's ambitious agenda for invest-
ment in critical NII projects (including computing) amounts
Applications and software that allow users to access,
to $1-2 billion annually. Nonetheless, while the private
manipulate, organize, and digest the proliferating mass of
sector role in NII development will predominate, the gov-
information that the NII's facilities will put at their
emment has an essential role to play. In particular, carefully
fingertips.
crafted government action can complement and enhance the
benefits of these private sector initiatives. Accordingly, the
The network standards and transmission codes that
Administration's NII initiative will be guided by the follow-
facilitate interconnection and interoperation between net-
ing nine principles and goals, which are discussed in more
works, and ensure the privacy of persons and the security
detail below:
of the information carried, as well as the security and
1) Promote private sector investment, through tax and
reliability of the networks.
regulatory policies that encourage innovation and promote
long-term investment, as well as wise procurement of ser-
The people largely in the private sector - who create
vices.
the information, develop applications and services, con-
struct the facilities, and train others to tap its potential.
2) Extend the "universal service" concept to ensure
that information resources are available to all at afford-
Many of these people will be vendors, operators, and
service providers working for private industry.
able prices. Because information means empowerment, the
government has a duty to ensure that all Americans have
Every component of the information infrastructure must
access to the resources of the Information Age.
be developed and integrated if America is to capture the
3) Act as catalyst to promote technological innova-
promise of the Information Age.
tion and new applications. Commit important government
research programs and grants to help the private sector
The Administration's NII initiative will promote and
develop and demonstrate technologies needed for the NII.
support full development of each component. Regulatory
4) Promote seamless, interactive, user-driven opera-
and economic policies will be adopted that encourage private
tion of the NII. As the NII evolves into a "network of
firms to create jobs and invest in the applications and physical
networks," government will ensure that users can transfer
facilities that comprise the infrastructure. The Federal gov-
information across networks easily and efficiently.
emment will assist industry, labor, academia, and state and
5) Ensure information security and network reliabil-
local governments in developing the information resources
ity. The NII must be trustworthy and secure, protecting the
and applications needed to maximize the potential of those
privacy of its users. Government action will also aim to
underlying facilities. Moreover, and perhaps most impor-
ensure that the overall system remains reliable, quickly
tantly, the NII initiative will help educate and train our people
repairable in the event of a failure and, perhaps most
so that they are prepared not only to contribute to the further
importantly, easy to use.
growth of the NII, but also to understand and enjoy fully the
services and capabilities that it will make available.
6) Improve management of the radio frequency
spectrum, an increasingly critical resource.
III.
Need for Government Action To
7) Protect intellectual property rights. The Adminis-
Complement Private Sector Leadership
tration will investigate how to strengthen domestic copy-
right laws and international intellectual property treaties to
prevent piracy and to protect the integrity of intellectual
The foregoing discussion of the transforming potential of
property.
the NII should not obscure a fundamental fact - the private
6
8) Coordinate with other levels of government and
Information Infrastructure. Activities of the IITF include
with other nations. Because information crosses state,
coordinating government efforts in NII applications, linking
regional, and national boundaries, coordination is important
government applications to the private sector, resolving
to avoid unnecessary obstacles and to prevent unfair policies
outstanding disputes, and implementing Administration
that handicap U.S. industry.
policies. Chaired by Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown
9) Provide access to government information and
and composed of high-level Federal agency representatives,
improve government procurement. As described in the
the IITF's three committees focus on telecommunications
National Performance Review, the Administration will seek
policy, information policy, and applications.
to ensure that Federal agencies, in concert with state and local
governments, use the NII to expand the information available
2) Establish a private sector Advisory Council on the
National Information Infrastructure
to the public, so that the immense reservoir of government
information is available to the public easily and equitably.
Additionally, Federal procurement policies for telecommu-
To facilitate meaningful private sector participation in
nications and information services and equipment will be
the IITF's deliberations, the President will sign an Executive
designed to promote important technical developments for
Order creating the "United States Advisory Council on the
the NII and to provide attractive incentives for the private
National Information Infrastructure" to advise the IITF on
sector to contribute to NII development.
matters relating to the development of the NII. The Council
will consist of 25 members, who will be named by the
The time for action is now. Every day brings news of
Secretary of Commerce by December 1993. Nominations
change: new technologies, like hand-held computerized
will be solicited from a variety of NII constituencies and
assistants; new ventures and mergers combining businesses
interested parties. The IITF and its committees also will use
that not long ago seemed discrete and insular; new legal
other mechanisms to solicit public comment to ensure that
decisions that challenge the separation of computer, cable
it hears the views of all interested parties.
and telephones. These changes promise substantial benefits
for the American people, but only if government understands
3) Strengthen and streamline Federal communica-
fully the implications of these changes and to work with the
tions and information policy-making agencies
private sector and other interested parties to shape the evolu-
tion of the communications infrastructure.
In order to implement the ambitious agenda outlined in
this document, the federal agencies most directly respon-
IV. Managing Change/ Forging
sible for the evolution of the NII (such as NTIA, the Office
Partnerships
of Information and Regulatory Affairs at OMB, and the
FCC) must be properly structured and adequately staffed to
address many new and difficult policy issues. The Admin-
We will help to build a partnership of business, labor,
istration intends to ensure that these agencies have the
academia, the public, and government that is committed to
intellectual and material resources they need. In addition, in
deployment of an advanced, rapid, powerful infrastructure
accord with the Vice President's National Performance
accessible and accountable to all Americans.
Review, these agencies will make the organizational and
procedural changes needed to most effectively contribute to
Forging this partnership will require extensive inter-
the NII initiative.
governmental coordination to ensure that Administration,
Congressional, state and local government policy regarding
the NII is consistent, coherent, and timely. It also requires the
V. Principles and Goals for Government
development of strong working alliances among industry
Action
groups and between government and the businesses respon-
sible for creating and operating the NII. Finally, close
The Task Force currently is undertaking a wide-ranging
cooperation will be needed between government, users,
examination of all issues relevant to the timely development
service providers, and public interest groups to ensure that
and growth of the National Information Infrastructure.
the NII develops in a way that benefits the American people.
Specific principles and goals in areas where government
action is warranted have already been identified and work
Specifically, the Administration will:
has begun on the following matters:
1) Establish an interagency Information Infrastruc
1. Promote Private Sector Investment
ture Task Force
The President has convened a Federal inter-agency "In-
One of the most effective ways to promote investments
formation Infrastructure Task Force" (IITF) that will work
in our nation's information infrastructure is to introduce or
with Congress and the private sector to propose the policies
further expand competition in communications and infor-
and initiatives needed to accelerate deployment of a National
mation markets. Vibrant competition in these markets will
7
spur economic growth, create new businesses and benefit
mation Administration (NTIA) will hold a series of public
U.S. consumers.
hearings on Universal Service and the NII, beginning by
To realize this vision, however, policy changes will be
December 1993. The Administration will make a special
necessary:
effort to hear from public interest groups. Building on the
knowledge gained from these activities, the IITF will
Action: Passage of communications reform legisla-
work with the Advisory Council on the National Informa-
tion. The Administration will work with Congress to pass
tion Infrastructure, as well as with state regulatory com-
legislation by the end of 1994 that will increase competion
missions, to determine how the Universal Service concept
and ensure universal access in communications market--
should be applied in the 21st Century.
particularly those, such as the cable television and local
telephone markets that have been dominated by monopo-
3. Promote Technological Innovation and New Applica-
lies. Such legislation will explicitly promote private
tions
sector infrastructive investment-- both by companies
already in the market and those seeking entry.
Government regulatory, antitrust, tax, and intellectual
Action: Revision of tax policies. Tax policies are impor-
property policies all affect the level and timing of new
tant determinants of the amount of private sector invest-
offerings in services and equipment including the technol-
ment in the NIL The President has signed into law tax
ogy base that generates innovations for the marketplace. But
incentives for private sector investment in R&D and new
technological innovations ultimately depend upon purpose-
business formation, including a three-year extension of
ful investment in research and development, by both the
the R&D credit and a targeted capital gains reduction for
private sector and government. R&D investment helps firms
investments in small businesses. Both of these tax incen-
to create better products and services at lower costs.
tives will help spur the private sector investment needed
to develop the NII.
As noted in the Administration's February 22, 1993
technology policy statement: "We are moving to accelerate
2. Extend the "Universal Service" Concept to Ensure that
the development of technologies critical for long-term growth
Information Resources Are Available to All at Afford-
but not receiving adequate support from private firms, either
able Prices
because the returns are too distant or because the level of
funding required is too great for individual firms to bear."
The Communications Act of 1934 articulated in general
Government research support already has helped create basic
terms a national goal of "Universal Service" for telephones
information technologies in computing, networking and
- widespread availability of a basic communications ser-
electronics. We will support further NII-related research and
vice at affordable rates. A major objective in developing the
technology development through research partnerships and
NII will be to extend the Universal Service concept to the
other mechanisms to accelerate technologies where market
information needs of the American people in the 21st Cen-
mechanisms do not adequately reflect the nation's return on
tury. As a matter of fundamental fairness, this nation cannot
investment. In particular, these government research and
accept a division of our people among telecommunications
funding programs will focus on the development of benefi-
or information "haves" and "have-nots." The Administra-
cial public applications in the fields of education, health care,
tion is committed to developing a broad, modern concept of
manufacturing, and provision of government services.
Universal Service - one that would emphasize giving all
Americans who desire it easy, affordable access to advanced
Action: Continue the High-Performance Computing
communications and information services, regardless of
and Communications Program. Established by the
income, disability, or location.
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991, the HPCC
Program funds R&D designed to create more powerful
Devising and attaining a new goal for expanded Universal
computers, faster computer networks, and more sophisti-
Service is consistent with efforts to spur infrastructure devel-
cated software. In addition, the HPCC Program is provid-
opment by increasing competition in communications and
ing scientists and engineers with the tools and training
information markets. As noted above, competition can make
they need to solve "Grand Challenges," research prob-
low cost, high quality services and equipment widely avail-
lems - like designing new drugs that cannot be solved
able. Policies promoting greater competition in combination
without the most powerful computers. The Administra-
with targeted support for disadvantaged users or especially
tion has requested $1 billion for the HPCC Program in
high cost or rural areas would advance both rapid infrastruc-
fiscal year 1994, and is in the process of forming a "High-
ture modernization and expanded Universal Service.
Performance Computing Advisory Committee," to pro-
vide private sector input on the Program.
Action: Develop a New Concept of Universal Service.
To gather information on the best characteristics of an
We have also requested an additional $96 million in the FY
expanded concept of Universal Service, the Commerce
1994 budget to create a new component of the HPCC
Department's National Telecommunications and Infor-
Program - Information Infrastructure Technologies and
8
Applications (IITA). The Administration is working with
oped. Those standards also must be compatible with the
Congress to obtain authorization to fund this effort, which
large installed base of communications technologies, and
will develop and apply high-performance computing and
flexible and adaptable enough to meet user needs at afford-
high-speed networking technologies for use in the fields of
able costs. The United States has long relied on a consensus-
health care, education, libraries, manufacturing, and provi-
based, voluntary standards-setting process in communica-
sion of government information.
tions. Particularly in the area of information and communi-
cations technology, where product cycles are often mea-
Action: Implement the NII Pilot Projects Program. In
sured in months, not years, the standards process is critical
its FY 94 budget, the Administration has requested fund-
and has not always worked to speed technological innova-
ing from the Congress for NII networking pilot and
tion and serve end-users well. Government can catalyze this
demonstration projects. Under NTIA's direction, this
industry-driven process by participating more actively in
pilot program will provide matching grants to state and
private-sector standards-writing bodies and by working
local governments, health care providers, school districts,
with industry to address strategic technical barriers to
libraries, universities, and other non-profit entities. The
interoperability and adoption of new technologies.
grants will be awarded after a competitive merit review
To increase the likelihood that the NII will be both
process and will be used to fund projects to connect
interactive and, to a large extent, user-driven, government
institutions to existing networks, enhance communica-
also must reform regulations and policies that may inadvert-
tions networks that are currently operational, and permit
ently hamper the development of interactive applications.
users to interconnect among different networks. Funded
For example, government regulations concerning the lack of
projects will demonstrate the potential of the NII and
reimbursement of health care procedures may deter the
provide tangible benefits to their communities. Equally
growth of distance medicine applications.
important, they will help leverage the resources and
creativity of the private sector to devise new applications
Action: Review and clarify the standards process to
and uses of the NII. The successes of the these pilot
speed NII applications. By October 15, 1993 the
projects will create an iterative process that will generate
Commerce Department's National Institute for Stan-
more innovative approaches each year.
dards and Technology (NIST) will establish a panel and
work with other appropriate agencies to review the
Action: Inventory NII Applications Projects. Many
government's involvement in establishing network re-
insights can be gained by sharing information about how
quirements and standards with domestic and interna-
government can effectively use the NII. By the end of
tional partners. The panel, with input from the private
January 1994, the IITF will complete an inventory of
sector and other levels of government, will consider the
current and planned government activities and will widely
role of the government in the standards process and will
disseminate the results through electronic and printed
identify opportunities for accelerating the deployment of
means. An electronic forum is being established to
the NII.
encourage government and private sector contributions
and comments about government applications projects.
Action: Review and reform government regulations
that impede development of interactive services and
4. Promote Seamless, Interactive, User-Driven
applications. The Administration will work closely
Operation
with the private sector, as well as state and local govern-
ments, to identify government policies and regulations
Because the NII will be a network of networks, informa-
that may hinder the growth of interactive services and
tion must be transferable over the disparate networks easily,
applications. The IITF will determine how those regula-
accurately, and without compromising the content of the
tions should be changed.
messages. Moreover, the NII will be of maximum value to
users if it is sufficiently "open" and interactive so that users
5. Ensure Information Security and Network Reliability
can develop new services and applications or exchange
information among themselves, without waiting for services
The trustworthiness and security of communications
to be offered by the firms that operate the NII. In this way,
channels and networks are essential to the success of the NII.
users will develop new "electronic communities" and share
Users must be assured that information transmitted over the
knowledge and experiences that can improve the way that
infrastructure will go when and where it is intended to go.
they learn, work, play, and participate in the American
Electronic information systems can create new vulnerabili-
democracy.
ties. For example, electronic files can be broken into and
copied from remote locations, and cellular phone conversa-
To assure interoperability and openness of the many
tions can be monitored easily. Yet these same systems, if
components of an efficient, high-capacity NII, standards for
properly designed, can offer greater security than less ad-
voice, video, data, and multi-media services must be devel-
vanced communications channels.
9
Through the use of information systems, gathering, send-
the NCS, as well as the FCC's Network Reliability
ing, and receiving a wide variety of personal information is
Council, will coordinate with and complement the work
now simple, quick, and relatively inexpensive. The use of
of the Advisory Council on the National Information
information technologies to access, modify, revise, repackage,
Infrastructure.
and resell information can benefit individuals, but unautho-
rized use can encroach on their privacy. While media reports
6. Improve Management of the Radio Frequency
often emphasize the role of modern information technology
Spectrum
in invading privacy, technology advances and enhanced
management oversight also offer the opportunity for privacy
Many of the dramatic changes expected from the develop-
protection. This protection is especially important to busi-
ment of the information infrastructure will grow out of
nesses that increasingly transmit sensitive proprietary data
advances in wireless technologies. The ability to access the
through electronic means. In a climate of tough global
resources of the NII at any time, from anywhere in the
competitiveness to gain market advantage, the confidential-
country, will be constrained, however, if there is inadequate
ity of this information can spell the difference between
spectrum available. To ensure that spectrum scarcity does
business success or failure.
not impede the development of the NII, the Administration
places a high priority on streamlining its procedures for the
In addition, it is essential that the Federal government
allocation and use of this valuable resource.
work with the communications industry to reduce the vulner-
ability of the nation's information infrastructure. The NII
Action: Streamline allocation and use of spectrum.
must be designed and managed in a way that minimizes the
The Administration is working with Congress to fully
impact of accident or sabotage. The system must also
implement the spectrum management provisions of the
continue to function in the event of attack or catastrophic
Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993, to
natural disaster.
streamline government use of spectrum and to get spec-
trum to the public efficiently. These provisions will
Action: Review privacy concerns of the NIL The IITF
provide greater flexibility in spectrum allocation, includ-
has developed a work plan to investigate what policies are
ing increased sharing of spectrum between private sector
necessary to ensure individual privacy, while recognizing
and government users, increased flexibility in technical
the legitimate societal needs for information, including
and service standards, and increased choices for licensees
those of law enforcement. The IITF has also developed a
in employing their assigned spectrum.
work plan to investigate how the government will ensure
that the infrastructure's operations are compatible with
Action: Promote market principles in spectrum dis-
the legitimate privacy interests of its users.
tribution. Further, the Administration will continue to
support policies that place a greater reliance on market
Action: Review of encryption technology. In April, the
principles in distributing spectrum, particularly in the
President announced a thorough review of Federal poli-
assignment process, as a superior way to apportion this
cies on encryption technology. In addition, Federal
scarce resource among the widely differing wireless
agencies are working with industry to develop new tech-
services that will be a part of the NIL At the same time,
nologies that protect the privacy of citizens, while en-
the Administration will develop policies to ensure that
abling law enforcement agencies to continue to use court-
entrepreneurs and small, rural, minority- and women-
authorized wiretaps to fight terrorism, drug rings, orga-
owned businesses are able to participate in spectrum
nized crime, and corruption. Federal agencies are work-
auctions.
ing with industry to develop encryption hardware and
software that can be used for this application.
7. Protect Intellectual Property Rights
Action: Work with industry to increase network reli-
Development of an advanced information infrastructure
ability. The National Communications System brings
will create unprecedented market opportunities and new
together 23 Federal agencies with industry to reduce the
challenges for our world-preeminent media and information
vulnerability of the nation's telecommunications systems
industries. The broad public interest in promoting the
to accident, sabotage, natural disaster, or military attack.
dissemination of information to our citizens must be bal-
And the Federal Communications Commission has an
anced with the need to ensure the integrity of intellectual
industry and user Network Reliability Council to advise
property rights and copyrights in information and entertain-
it on ensuring the reliability of the nation's commercial
ment products. This protection is crucial if these products-
telecommunications networks. These efforts are increas-
whether in the form of text, images, computer programs,
ingly important as the threat posed by terrorism and
databases, video or sound recordings, or multimedia formats
computing hacking grows. The NCS will continue its
- are to move in commerce using the full capability of the
work and will coordinate with the IITF. In addition, the
NII.
National Security Telecommunications Advisory Com-
mittee, which advises the President in coordination with
10
Action: Examine the adequacy of copyright laws. The
and permit U.S. manufacturers to enter new markets not
ITTF will investigate how to strengthen domestic copyright
previously available to them. The Administration will
laws and international intellectual property treaties to pre-
continue to work to open overseas markets for U.S.
vent piracy and to protect the integrity of intellectual prop-
services and products.
erty. To ensure broad access to information via the NII, the
IITF will study how traditional concepts of fair use should
Action: Eliminate barriers caused by incompatible
apply with respect to new media and new works.
standards. Equally important is the need to avoid trade
barriers raised by incompatible U.S. and foreign stan-
Action: Explore ways to identify and reimburse copy-
dards or - more subtly - between the methods used to
right owners. The IITF will explore the need for standards
test conformance to standards. Through its participation
for the identification of copyright ownership of information
in international standards committees, the Administration
products in electronic systems (e.g., electronic headers,
is working to eliminate or avert such barriers.
labels or signature techniques). The Task Force will also
evaluate the need to develop an efficient system for the
Action: Examine international and U.S. trade regula-
identification, licensing, and use of work, and for the pay-
tions. The IITF will coordinate the Administration's
ment of royalties for copyrighted products delivered or made
examination of policy issues related to the delivery of
available over electronic information systems.
telecommunications services to and from the U.S., in-
cluding claims by some U.S. companies that regulatory
8. Coordinate with Other Levels of Governmental and
practices in foreign countries - including denial of
With Other Bodies
market access for U.S. carriers and the imposition of
excessive charges for completing calls from the United
Domestic: Many of the firms that will likely participate
States - are harming the competitiveness of the industry
in the NII are now subject to regulation by Federal, state, and
and the costs charged to U.S. customers for service. The
local government agencies. If the information infrastructure
IITF also will reexamine U.S. regulation of international
is to develop quickly and coherently, there must be close
telecommunications services.
coordination among the various government entities, par-
ticularly with respect to regulatory policy. It is crucial that all
9. Provide Access to Government Information and
government bodies - particularly Congress, the FCC, the
Improve Government Procurement
Administration, and state and local governments - work
cooperatively to forge regulatory principles that will promote
Thomas Jefferson said that information is the currency of
deployment of the NII.
democracy. Federal agencies are among the most prolific
collectors and generators of information that is useful and
Action: Seek ways to improve coordination with state
valuable to citizens and business. Improvement of the
and local officials. The IITF will meet with state and
nation's information infrastructure provides a tremendous
local officials to discuss policy issues related to develop-
opportunity to improve the delivery of government informa-
ment of the NII. The Task Force will also seek input from
tion to the taxpayers who paid for its collection; to provide it
the private sector and non-federal agencies as it devises
equitably, at a fair price, as efficiently as possible.
proposals for regulatory reform. The Administration is
committed to working closely with state and local govern-
The Federal government is improving every step of the
ments in developing its telecommunications policies.
process of information collection, manipulation, and dis-
semination. The Administration is funding research pro-
International: The NII also will develop in the context
grams that will improve the software used for browsing,
of evolving global networks. Because customers typically
searching, describing, organizing, and managing informa-
demand that U.S. communications providers offer services
tion. But it is committed as well to applying those tools to the
on a global basis, it is critical that the infrastructure within this
distribution of information that can be useful to the public in
country can meet international, as well as domestic, require-
their various roles as teachers, researchers, businesspeople,
ments.
consumers, etc.
Action: Open up overseas markets. The Administra-
The key questions that must be addressed are: What
tion has shown its willingness to work directly on behalf
information does the public want? What information is in
of U.S. firms to ensure that they have an equal opportunity
electronic form? By what means can it be distributed? How
to export telecommunications-related goods and services
can all Americans have access to it? A secondary question
to potential overseas customers. For example, the Com-
is: How can government itself improve through better
merce Department is developing new export control
information management?
policies governing computers and telecommunications
equipment manufactured by U.S. firms. These changes
Action: Improve the accessibility of government in-
will remove export restrictions on many of these products
formation. IITF working groups will carefully consider
11
the problems associated with making government infor-
pation Centers, at which citizens can communicate with
mation broadly accessible to the public electronically.
the public affairs departments of all Federal agencies.
Additionally, several inter-agency efforts have been started
to ensure that the right information is stored and available.
Action: Strengthen inter-agency coordination through
Finally, to help the public find government information,
the use of electronic mail. To implement the National
an inter-agency project has been formed to develop a
Performance Review's recommendation on expanded
virtual card catalogue that will indicate the availability of
use of electronic mail within the Federal government, an
government information in whatever form it takes.
inter-agency coordinating body has been established to
incorporate electronic mail into the daily work environ-
Action: Upgrade the infrastructure for the delivery of
ment of Federal workers. The group is also sponsoring
government information. The Federal government has
three pilot projects to expand connectivity that will build
already taken a number of steps to promote wider distri-
a body of experience that other Federal agencies can draw
bution of its public reports. Legislation has been enacted
on when they begin to use electronic mail.
to improve electronic dissemination of government docu-
ment by the Government Printing Office. A number of
Action: Reform the Federal procurement process to
Federal agencies have moved aggressively to convert
make government a leading-edge technology adopter.
their public information into electronic form and dissemi-
The Federal government is the largest single buyer of high
nate it over the Internet, where it will be available to many
technology products. The government has played a key
more people than have previously had access to such
role in developing emerging markets for advanced tech-
information. In the future, substantial improvements will
nologies of military significance; it can be similarly
be made to "FedWorld," an electronic bulletin board
effective for civilian technologies. The Administration
established by the Department of Commerce's National
will implement the procurement policy reforms set forth
Technical Information Service (NTIS), which links the
in the National Performance Review.
public with more than 100 Federal bulletin boards and
information centers. These improvements will enhance
VI. America's Destiny is Linked to our Information
FedWorld's ability to distribute to the public scientific,
Infrastructure
technical, and business-related information generated by
the U.S. Government and other sources. Finally, confer-
The principles and goals outlined in this document pro-
ence will be held in the Fall of 1993 to begin teaching
vide a blueprint for government action on the NII. Applying
Federal employees how they can use these distribution
them will ensure that government provides constructive
mechanisms.
assistance to U.S. industry, labor, academia and private
citizens as they develop, deploy and use the infrastructure.
Action: Enhance citizen access to government infor-
mation. In June 1993, OMB prescribed new polices
The potential benefits for the nation are immense. The NII
pertaining to the acquisition, use, and distribution of
will enable U.S. firms to compete and win in the global
government information by Federal agencies. Among
economy, generating good jobs for the American people and
other things, the policies mandate that, in distributing
economic growth for the nation. As importantly, the NII
information to the public, Federal agencies should recoup
promises to transform the lives of the American people. It can
only those costs associated with the dissemination of that
ameliorate the constraints of geography and economic status,
information, not with its creation or collection. Moreover,
and give all Americans a fair opportunity to go as far as their
a number of inter-agency efforts are under way to afford
talents and ambitions will take them.
greater public access to government information. One
project seeks to turn thousands of local and field offices of
various Federal agencies into Interactive Citizen Partici-
12
BENEFITS AND
APPLICATIONS OF
THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
The development of the National Information Infrastruc-
The Economic Strategy Institute concluded that acceler-
ture is not an end in itself; it is a means by which the United
ated deployment of the NII would increase GDP by $194
States can achieve a broad range of economic and social
$321 billion to GNP by the year 2007, and increase
goals. Although the NII is not a "silver bullet" for all of the
productivity by 20 to 40 percent.
problems we face, it can make an important contribution to
our most pressing economic and social challenges.
2. Job creation
This infrastructure can be used by all Americans, not just
by scientists and engineers. As entrepreneurs, factory work-
Although there are no definitive estimates for the total
ers, doctors, teachers, federal employees, and citizens, Ameri-
number of U.S. jobs the deployment of the NII will create, it
cans can harness this technology to:
is clear that it has the potential to create hundreds of thou-
sands of jobs. For example:
Create jobs, spur growth, and foster U.S. technological
leadership;
Industry experts believe that the Personal Communica-
tions Services industry, a new family of wireless services,
Reduce health care costs while increasing the quality of
could create as many as 300,000 jobs in the next 10-15 years.
service in underserved areas;
The development of this industry will be accelerated by the
Emerging Telecommunications Technology Act, which was
Deliver higher-quality, lower-cost government services;
signed by President Clinton as part of the budget package.
Prepare our children for the fast-paced workplace of the
3. Technological leadership
21st century; and
The NII will serve as the driver for a wide variety of
Build a more open and participatory democracy at all
technologies, such as semiconductors, high-speed network-
levels of government.
ing, advanced displays, software, and human/computer in-
terfaces such as speech recognition.
This is not a far-fetched prediction. As shown below, our
current information infrastructure is already making a differ-
This technology will be used to create exciting new
ence in the lives of ordinary Americans, and we have just
products and services, strengthening U.S. leadership in the
begun to tap its potential.
electronics and information technology sector. For example,
experts envision the production of powerful computers that
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
will be held in the palm of our hand, "as mobile as a watch
and as personal as a wallet, [they] will recognize speech,
The National Information Infrastructure will help create
navigate streets, take notes, keep schedules, collect mail,
high-wage jobs, stimulate economic growth, enable new
manage money, open the door and start the car, among other
products and services, and strengthen America's technologi-
computer functions we cannot imagine today."
cal leadership. Whole new industries will be created, and the
infrastructure will be used in ways we can only begin to
4. Regional, state, and local economic development
imagine. Below are some of the potential benefits to the U.S.
economy:
In today's knowledge-based, global economy in which
capital and technology are increasingly mobile, the quality of
1. Increased economic growth and productivity
America's information infrastructure will help determine
whether companies invest here or overseas. States and
The Computer Systems Policy Project estimates that the
regions increasingly recognize that development of their
NII will "create as much as $300 billion annually in new
information infrastructure is key to creating jobs and attract-
sales across a range of industries."
ing new businesses:
13
In May 1993, Governor Jim Hunt announced the cre-
care cost increases will eat up more than half of the new
ation of the North Carolina Information Highway, a
federal revenue expected over the next four years.
network of fiber optics and advanced switches capable of
transmitting the entire 33-volume Encyclopedia Britannica
Twenty-five cents out of every dollar on a hospital bill
in 4.7 seconds. This network, which will be deployed in
goes to administrative costs and does not buy any patient
cooperation with BellSouth, GTE, and Carolina Tele-
care. The number of health care administrators is increas-
phone, is a key element of North Carolina's economic
ing four times faster than the number of doctors.
development strategy.
These problems will not be solved without comprehen-
In California's Silicon Valley, academics, business
sive health care reform. Better use of information technology
executives, government officials, and private citizens are
and the development of health care applications for the NII,
working together to build an "advanced information
however, can make an important contribution to reform.
infrastructure and the collective ability to use it." A non-
Experts estimate that telecommunications applications could
profit organization, Smart Valley Inc., will help develop
reduce health care costs by $36 to $100 billion each year
the information infrastructure and its applications. Many
while improving quality and increasing access. Below are
business applications are envisioned, including desktop
some of the existing and potential applications:
videoconferencing, rapid delivery of parts designs to
fabrication shops, design of chips on remote
1. Telemedicine: By using telemedicine, doctors and other
supercomputers, electronic commerce, and
care givers can consult with specialists thousands of miles
telecommuting.
away; continually upgrade their education and skills; and
share medical records and x-rays.
The Council of Great Lakes Governors has developed a
regional telecommunications initiative, which includes
Example: In Texas, over 70 hospitals, primarily in rural
creating an open data network as a first step towards
areas, have been forced to close since 1984. The Texas
creation of a Great Lakes Information Highway, promot-
Telemedicine Project in Austin, Texas offers interactive
ing access in rural areas, developing a set of telecommu-
video consultation to primary care physicians in rural
nications service goals and a time table for achieving
hospitals as a way of alleviating the shortage of specialists
them, and developing a computerized inventory of each
in rural areas. This trial is increasing the quality of care in
state's advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
rural areas and providing at least 14 percent savings by
cutting patient transfer costs and provider travel.
5. Electronic commerce
2. Unified Electronic Claims: More than 4 billion health
Electronic commerce (e.g., on-line parts catalogues, multi-
care claims are submitted annually from health care
media mail, electronic payment, brokering services, collabo-
providers to reimbursement organizations such as insur-
rative engineering) can dramatically reduce the time required
ance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and HMOs. More-
to design, manufacture, and market new products. "Time to
over, there are 1500 different insurance companies in the
market" is a critical success factor in today's global market-
United States using many different claims forms. The
place. Electronic commerce will also strengthen the rela-
administrative costs of the U.S. health care system could
tionships between manufacturer, suppliers, and joint devel-
be dramatically reduced by moving towards standardized
opers. In today's marketplace, it is not unusual to have 12 or
electronic submission and processing of claims.
more companies collaborating to develop and manufacture
new products.
3. Personal Health Information Systems: The United
States can use computers and networks to promote self
care and prevention by making health care information
HEALTH CARE
available 24 hours a day in a form that aids decision
making. Most people do not have the tools necessary to
The NII can help solve America's health care crisis. The
become an active and informed participant in their own
Clinton Administration is committed to health care reform
health care. As a result, far too many people (estimates
that will ensure that Americans will never again lose their
range from 50 to 80 percent) entering the health care
health care coverage and that controls skyrocketing health
system do not really need a physician's care. Many
care costs. The costs of doing nothing are prohibitive:
improperly use the system by, for example, using the
emergency room for a cold or back strain. Many of those
Since 1980, our nation's health care costs have qua-
who end up with serious health problems enter the health
drupled. Between 1980 and 1992, health expenditures
care system too late, and thus require more extensive and
shot up from 9 percent to 14 percent of GDP; under current
costly therapy. Michael McDonald, chairman of the
policies, they will hit 19 percent by the year 2000. Health
Communications and Computer Applications in Public
14
Health (CCAPH), estimates that even if personal health
capacity for action in local institutions, as it must honor
information systems were used only 25 to 35 percent of
regional differences and the cultural iversity of America's
the time, $40 to $60 billion could be saved.
heritage.
Example: InterPractice Systems, a joint venture of Harvard
Example: The Heartland FreeNet in Peoria, Illinois
Community Health Plan in Boston and Electronic Data
provides a wide range of community information to the
Systems, has placed terminals in the homes of heavy users
citizens of Central Illinois 24 hours a day. Topics covered
of health care, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and
include 113 areas of social services; a year long commu-
families with young children. Based on a patient's
nity calendar; the American Red Cross; current listings
symptoms and their medical history, an electronic advice
from the Illinois Job Service; resources for local busi-
system makes recommendations to HCHP's members
nesses; and local government information. Experts in all
about using self care, talking with a doctor, or scheduling
fields from law to the Red Cross to chemical dependency
an appointment. In one instance, "an 11-year old who
volunteer their time and expertise to answer questions
regularly played with the terminal heard his father com-
anonymously asked by the public.
plain one day of chest pains and turned to the system for
Example: The Big Sky Telegraph began operation in
help; it diagnosed the symptoms as a probable heart
1988 as an electronic bulletin board system linking
attack. The diagnosis was correct."
Montana's 114 one-room schools to each other and to
Western Montana College. Today, the Big Sky Telegraph
4. Computer-Based Patient Records: The Institute of
enables the formation of "virtual communities"-linking
Medicine has concluded that Computer-Based Patient
schools, libraries, county extension services, women's
Records are critical to improving the quality and reducing
centers, and hospitals. Montana's high-school students
the cost of health care. Currently:
learning Russian can now communicate with Russian
students, and science students are participating in a course
11 percent of laboratory tests must be re-ordered
on "chaos theory" offered by MIT.
because of lost results;
2. Dissemination of government information: The free
30 percent of the time, the treatment ordered is not
flow of information between the government and the
documented at all;
public is essential to a democratic society. Improvements
in the National Information Infrastructure provide a tre-
40 percent of the time a diagnosis isn't recorded; and
mendous opportunity to improve the delivery of govern-
ment information to the taxpayers who paid for its collec-
30 percent of the time a medical record is completely
tion; to provide it equitably, at a fair price, as equitably as
unavailable during patient visits.
possible.
CIVIC NETWORKING
Example: Some of the most powerful examples of the
TECHNOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC
power inherent in information collection and dissemina-
INTEREST
tion come from the experience of Federal agencies. For
example, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-
The benefits of the NII extend far beyond economic
to-Know Act of 1986 established a Toxic Release Inven-
growth. As the Center for Civic Networking observed,
tory (TRI), which required industries to report their esti-
mated total releases of toxic chemicals to the environ-
"A country that works smarter; enjoys efficient, less
ment. The Environmental Protection Agency has used a
costly government, guided by a well-informed citizenry;
variety of means for making the data available to the
that produces high quality jobs and educated citizens to
public, including a collaborative effort involving the
fill them; that paves a road away from poverty; that
agency, the nonprofit community, and philanthropy. This
promotes life-long learning, public life and the cultural
effort involved making the TRI available through an
life of our communities. This is the promise of the
online service called RTK NET (the Right-to-Know
National Information Infrastructure."
Computer Network), operated by OMB Watch and Uni-
son Institute.
The NII could be used to create an "electronic commons"
and promote the public interest in the following ways:
As a result of the TRI program, EPA and industry devel-
oped the "33/50" program, in which CEOs set a goal of
1. Community Access Networks: Grass-roots networks
reducing their pollution by 33 percent by 1992 and 50
are springing up all over the country, providing citizens
percent by 1995. Because of RTK NET's success, EPA
with a wide range of information services. The National
is seeking to expand the information available on the
Information Infrastructure should expand a citizen's
service.
15
3. Universal access: The NII must be used to bring Ameri-
world to access databases, share documents, and com-
cans together, as opposed to allowing a further polariza-
municate with colleagues. For example, one computer
tion between information "haves" and "have nots."
language was developed by 60 people in industry, gov-
emment and academia over a period of 3 years with only
Example: As part of a recent cable franchise negotiation,
two days of face-to-face meetings. Instead, project
fiber optic cable was deployed in Harlem, where 40
participants sent 3,000 e-mail messages to each other,
percent of the residents live below the poverty line. New
dramatically reducing the time required to develop the
York City is exploring the use of interactive video
language. As scientific research becomes increasingly
conferencing between community rooms in housing
complex and interdisciplinary, scientists see the need to
projects and government offices, schools, and New York
develop "collaboratories," centers without walls in which
corporations. These facilities could be used to teach
"the nations' researchers can perform their research
parenting to teenage mothers, and promote mentoring
without regard to geographical location - interacting
programs between inner city youth and employees of
with colleagues, access instrumentation, sharing data
New York corporations.
and computational resources, [and] accessing informa-
tion in digital libraries."
RESEARCH
LIFE-LONG LEARNING
One of the central objectives of the High Performance
Computing and Communications Initiative (HPCCI) is to
Increasingly, what we earn depends on what we learn.
increase the productivity of the research community and
Americans must be well-educated and well-trained if we are
enable scientists and engineers to tackle "Grand Challenges,"
compete internationally and enjoy a healthy democracy.
such as forecasting the weather, building more energy-
The magnitude of the challenge we face is well-known:
efficient cars, designing life-saving drugs, and understand-
ing how galaxies are formed.
25 percent of students nation-wide no longer complete
high-school, a figure which rises to 57 percent in some
As a result of advances in computing and networking
large cities.
technologies promoted by the HPCCI, America's scientists
and engineers (and their colleagues and peers around the
Currently, 90 million adults in the United States do not
world) are able to solve fundamental problems that would
have the literacy skills they need to function in our
have been impossible to solve in the past. U.S. researchers
increasingly complex society.
will continue to benefit from the HPCCI and the emerging
National Information Infrastructure. Below are just a few of
The Clinton Administration has set ambitious national
the ways in which this technology is being used by U.S.
goals for lifelong learning. The "Goals 2000: Educate
researchers:
America Act" would make six education goals part of
national policy: 90 percent high school graduation rate; U.S.
1. Solving Grand Challenges: As a result of investments
dominance in math and science; total adult literacy; safe and
in high performance computers, software, and high-speed
drug-free schools; increased competency in challenging
networks, researchers have access to more and more
subjects; and having every child enter school "ready to
computational resources. As a result, scientists and
learn." Secretary of Labor Robert Reich also has empha-
engineers have been able to more accurately model the
sized the need to move towards "new work." New work
Earth's climate; design and simulate next-generation
requires problem-solving as opposed to rote repetition,
aircraft (the High Speed Civil Transport); improve detec-
upgrading worker skills, and empowering front-line work-
tion of breast cancer by turning two-dimensional MRI
ers to continuously improve products and services. All of
images into three-dimensional views; and enhance the
the Administration's policy initiatives (national skill stan-
recovery of oil and gas from America's existing reser-
dards, school-to-work transition, training for displaced
voirs.
workers) are aimed at promoting the transition towards
high-wage, higher-value "new work."
2. Enabling remote access to scientific instruments: Be-
cause of advancements in networks and visualization
Although technology alone can not fix what is wrong
software, scientists can control and share remote electron
with America's education and training system, the NII can
microscopes, radio telescopes, and other scientific instru-
help. Studies have shown that computer-based instruction
ments.
is cost-effective, enabling 30% percent more learning in
40% less time at 30% less cost. Fortune recently reported
3. Supporting scientific collaboration: The Internet has
that:
allowed scientists in the United States and around the
16
"From Harlem to Honolulu, electronic networks are spark-
three-dimensional images in the head-mounted display,
ing the kind of excitement not seen in America's class-
the gesture gloves on his hands press back to provide
rooms since the space race In scores of programs and
feedback to his sense of touch. Alternatively, the student
pilot projects, networks are changing the way teachers
can expand a molecule to the size of a large building and
teach and students learn."
fly around in it, examining the internal structure."
The United States has just begun to exploit the educational
applications of computers and networks. Students and
CREATING A GOVERNMENT THAT
teachers can use the NII to promote collaborative learning
WORKS BETTER & COSTS LESS
between students, teachers, and experts; access on-line "digi-
tal libraries"; and take "virtual" field trips to museums and
science exhibits without leaving the classroom.
The Vice President Gore's National Performance Review
(NPR) provides a bold vision of a federal government which
Example: Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts
is effective, efficient and responsive. Moving from red tape
and funded by the National Science Foundation, the
to results will require sweeping changes: emphasizing ac-
Global Laboratory Project links students from over 101
countability for achieving results as opposed to following
schools in 27 states and 17 foreign countries, including
rules; putting customers first; empowering employees; and
Japan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Argentina. All over the
reengineering how government agencies do their work. As
world, students establish environmental monitoring sta-
part of this vision, the NPR emphasizes the importance of
tions to study climate change, monitor pollutants such as
information technology as a tool for reinventing govern-
pesticides and heavy metals, and measure ultraviolet
ment:
radiation. Students share their data over the Global Lab
telecommunications network with each other and with
"With computers and telecommunications, we need not
scientists to make comparisons, conduct analyses, and
do things as we have in the past. We can design a
gain a global perspective on environmental problems.
customer-driven electronic government that operates in
ways that, 10 years ago, the most visionary planner could
Example: In Texas, the Texas Education Network (TE-
not have imagined."
NET) now serves over 25,000 educators, and is making
the resources of the Internet available to classrooms. One
The NPR has identified a number of ways in which
Texas educator from a small school district described the
"electronic government" can improve the quality of govern-
impact it was having on the learning experiences of
ment services while cutting costs, some of which are de-
children:
scribed below:
"The smaller districts can now access NASA, leave
1. Develop a nationwide system to deliver government
messages for the astronauts, browse around in libraries
benefits electronically: The government can cut costs
larger than ever they will ever be able to visit, discuss
through "electronic benefits transfer" for programs such
the Superconducting Supercollider project with the
as federal retirement, social security, unemployment
physicist in charge, discuss world ecology with stu-
insurance, AFDC, and food stamps. For example, 3
dents in countries around the world, read world and
billion Food Stamps are printed and distributed to over 10
national news that appears in newspapers that are not
million households. Estimates suggest that $1 billion
available in their small towns, work on projects as
could be saved over five years once electronic benefits for
equals and collaborators with those in urban areas, and
food stamps is fully implemented.
change the way they feel about the size of their world.
This will create students that we could not create
2. Develop integrated electronic access to government
otherwise. This is a new education and instruction."
information and services: Currently, citizen access to
federal government information is uncoordinated and not
As computers become more powerful and less expensive,
customer-friendly. Electronic kiosks and computer bulle-
students may eventually carry hand-held, computer-based
tin boards can result in quick response, complete informa-
"intelligent tutors," or learn in elaborate simulated environ-
tion, and an end to telephone tag.
ments. One expert predicted the following educational use of
virtual reality:
Example: Info/California is a network of kiosks in places
like libraries and shopping malls. Californians can use
"Imagine a biology student entering an immersive virtual
these touch-screen computers to renew vehicle registra-
laboratory environment that includes simulated molecules.
tion, register for employment openings, and get informa-
The learner can pick up two molecules and attempt to fit
tion on 90 different subjects, such as applying for student
them together, exploring docking sites. In addition to the
loans or resolving tenant-landlord disputes. These kiosks
17
have reduced the cost of job-match services from $150 to
4. Demonstrate and Provide Governmentwide Electronic
$40 per person.
Mail: Government-wide e-mail can provide rapid com-
munications among individuals and groups, break down
3. Establish a National Law Enforcement/Public Safety
barriers to information flows between and within agen-
Network: Whether responding to natural or technologi-
cies, allow better management of complex interagency
cal disasters, or performing search and rescue or interdic-
projects, and permit more communication between gov-
tion activities, federal, state, and local law enforcement
emment officials and the public.
and public safety workers must be able to communicate
with each other effectively, efficiently, and securely.
Currently, federal, state and local law enforcement agen-
cies have radio systems which can not communicate with
each other because they occupy different parts of the
spectrum.
18
THE INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
TASK FORCE
Mission
While the private sector will build and run virtually all of
1) Telecommunications Policy Committee, which will
the National Information Infrastructure, the President and the
formulate a consistent Administration position on key
Vice President have stated clearly that the Federal govern-
telecommunications issues, is chaired by Larry Irving,
ment has a key leadership role to play in its development.
head of the National Telecommunications and Information
Accordingly, the White House formed the Information Infra-
Administration of the Department of Commerce. Re-
structure Task Force (IITF) to articulate and implement the
cently, the Committee created:
Administration's vision for the NIL The task force consists
of high-level representatives of the Federal agencies that play
The Working Group on Universal Service,
a major role in the development and application of informa-
which will work to ensure that all Americans have
tion technologies. Working together with the private sector,
access to and can enjoy the benefits of the
the participating agencies will develop comprehensive tele-
National Information Infrastructure.
communications and information policies that best meet the
needs of both the agencies and the country. By helping build
2) Information Policy Committee, which is addressing
consensus on thorny policy issues, the IITF will enable
critical information policy issues that must be addressed if
agencies to make and implement policy more quickly and
the National Information Infrastructure is to be fully
effectively.
deployed and utilized. Sally Katzen, head of the Office of
A high-level Advisory Council on the National
Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of
Information Infrastructure has been established by
Management and Budget (OMB), chairs the Committee.
Executive Order to provide advice to the IITF. It will
The Committee has created three working groups:
consist of representatives of the many different stakehold-
ers in the NII, including industry, labor, academia, public
The Working Group on Intellectual Property
interest groups, and state and local governments. The
Rights, to develop proposals for protecting
Secretary of Commerce will appoint the 25 members of
copyrights and other IPR in an electronic world.
Bruce Lehman, head of the Patent and Trademark
the advisory committee.
Office of the Department of Commerce, chairs this
The ITF is working closely with the High Performance
group.
Computing, Communications, and Information Technol-
ogy (HPCCIT) Subcommittee of the Federal Coordinating
The Working Group on Privacy, to design
Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology
Administration policies to protect individual
(FCCSET), which is chaired by the White House Office of
privacy despite the rapid increase in the collection,
Science and Technology Policy. The HPCCIT Subcom-
storage, and dissemination of personal data in
mittee provides technical advice to the ITF and coordi-
electronic form. It is chaired by Pat Faley, Acting
nates Federal research activities that support development
Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs,
of the National Information Infrastructure.
Department of Health and Human Services.
Membership
The Working Group on Government Informa-
All the key agencies involved in telecommunications and
tion focuses on ways to promote dissemination of
information policy are represented on the task force. The task
government data in electronic form. Bruce
force operates under the aegis of the White House Office of
McConnell, OMB's Office of Information and
Science and Technology Policy and the National Economic
Regulatory Affairs, chairs this group.
Council. Ron Brown, the Secretary of Commerce, chairs the
ITTF, and much of the staff work for the task force will be
3) Applications Committee, which coordinates Adminis-
done by the National Telecommunications and Information
tration efforts to develop, demonstrate, and promote
Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce.
applications of information technology in manufacturing,
Structure
education, health care, government services, libraries, and
To date, three committees of the IITF have been estab-
other areas. This group works closely with agencies
lished:
involved in the High-Performance Computing and
19
Communications Program, which is funding development
technology. So far, the Committee has created one
of new applications technologies, to determine how
working group:
Administration policies can best promote the deployment
The Working Group on Government Information
of such technologies. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the
Technology Services (GITS) will coordinate efforts to
National Institute of Standards and Technology, chairs the
improve the application of information technology by
committee. This committee is responsible for implement-
Federal agencies.
ing many of the recommendations of the Vice President's
National Performance Review that pertain to information
20
UNITED STATES
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
ON THE NATIONAL
INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
The President will sign an Executive Order creating the
private and public sectors in NII development; a vision for the
"United States Advisory Council on the National Informa-
evolution of the NII and its public and commercial applica-
tion Infrastructure" to facilitate private sector input to the
tions; the impact of current and proposed regulatory tegimes
Information Infrastructure Task Force. The IITF, which is
on the evolution of the NII; privacy, security, and copyright
chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, will work with
issues; national strategies for maximizing interconnection
Congress and the private sector to propose the policies and
and interoperability of communications networks; and uni-
initiatives needed to accelerate deployment of the NIL
versal access.
The Council will consist of not more than 25 senior-level
The Council is expected to invite experts to submit
individuals to be named by the Secretary of Commerce this
information to the Council and form subcommittees of the
year. A chair and/or vice chair will be appointed by the
Council to review specific issues.
Secretary from among the Council members.
The Department of Commerce will act as "secretariat" for
Nominations will be solicited from a variety of NII
the Council, providing administrative services, facilities,
constituencies and interest groups. The IITF and its commit-
staff and other support services.
tees also will use other mechanisms to solicit public input to
ensure that it hears the views of all interested parties.
The Council will exist for two years unless its charter is
extended.
The Council will be broadly representative of the key
constituencies impacted by the NII, including business,
The Council will be separate from, and complementary to,
labor, academia, public interest groups, and state and local
the High Performance Computing Advisory Committee,
governments.
which will be established to provide private sector input on
the High Performance Computing and Communications
The Council shall advise the IITF on matters related to the
Initiative.
development of the NII, such as: the appropriate roles of the
21
ADMINISTRATION NII
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During its first seven months, the Clinton-Gore Adminis-
$50 million for NTIA grants to demonstrate the
tration has taken major steps to make its vision of the
applications of the NII for non-profit institutions such
National Information Infrastructure a reality:
as schools, hospitals, and libraries.
1. Freeing up spectrum to create information "sky-
$40 million for research by the Department of
ways":
Energy's National Labs on the information infrastruc-
The President recently signed the Emerging Telecom-
ture.
munications Technology Act, which directs the
The ARPA-led Technology Reinvestment Project
Secretary of Commerce to transfer, over a ten-year
(TRP), funded at $472 million in FY 1993, has generated
period, at least 200 Mhz of spectrum now used by
almost 3,000 proposals from the private sector, requesting
federal agencies to the FCC for subsequent licensing to
a total of $8.5 billion. Many of these proposals are for
the private sector. It allows the FCC to use competitive
technology development for the National Information
bidding to grant new license assignments for spectrum.
Infrastructure and its applications in health care, manufac-
turing, electronic commerce, and education and training.
This will create high-tech jobs and accelerate the
The President recently endorsed increasing the funding of
development of new wireless industries such as
the TRP to $600 million for FY 1994.
Personal Communications Services. The entire cellular
industry, which has created 100,000 jobs, was created
4. Making government information more available to
by licensing only 50 Mhz of spectrum.
citizens:
2. Reinventing Government:
The Office of Management and Budget issued a new
policy in June (OMB Circular A-130) to encourage
The Administration is committed to using "electronic
agencies to increase citizen access to public informa-
government" to ensure that the federal government
tion.
works better and costs less.
Also in June, the President and Vice President
As part of the National Performance Review, the Vice
announced that the White House would be accessible to
President has identified a number of concrete ways to use
the public via electronic mail. The Administration is
information technology to cut costs and improve services,
using on-line information services and the Internet to
such as electronic benefits transfer; access to government
make available speeches, press briefings, executive
information and services through electronic "kiosks"; a
orders, and a summary of the budget.
national law enforcement/public safety network; and elec-
tronic procurement.
5. Creating the right environment for private sector
3. Investing in technology:
investment in the National Information Infrastruture:
The President's FY 1994 budget includes:
The President has signed into law tax incentives for
$1.1 billion for the High-Performance Computing and
private sector investment in R&D and new business
Communications Initiative, including a new $100
formation, including a three-year extension of the R&D
million program to develop applications in areas such as
credit and a targeted capital gains reduction for
education, manufacturing, health, and digital libraries.
investments in small businesses. Both of these tax
The House has passed legislation which would autho-
incentives will help spur the private sector investment
rize these new programs; Senate action is expected in
needed to develop the National Information Infrastruc-
the fall of 1993.
ture.
23
ADMINISTRATION NII
INFORMATION
SOURCES
To submit comments on "The National Information
Sally Katzen, Administrator, Office of
Infrastructure: Agenda for Action" or to request additional
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of
copies of this package:
Management and Budget, Chair, IITF
Information Policy Committee
Write: NTIA NII Office
New Executive Office Building, Room 350
15th Street and Constitution
Washington, D.C. 20503
Avenue Washington, D.C.
phone: 202-395-4852
20230 Call: 202-482-1840
fax: 202-395-3047
Fax: 202-482-1635
Internet: [email protected]
Mike Nelson, Special Assistant, Information
To obtain copies of this package electronically see
Technology, Office of Science and
instructions on next page.
Technology Old Executive Office Building, Room 423
Washington, D.C. 20500
Key Administration Contacts:
phone: 202-395-6175
fax: 202-395-4155
Ronald H. Brown, Secretary of Commerce
internet: [email protected]
Chair, Information Infrastructure Task Force
15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Tom Kalil, Director of Science
Washington, D.C. 20230
and Technology National
phone: 202-482-3934 fax: 202-482-4576
Economic Council Old Executive
internet: [email protected]
Office Building, Room 233
Washington, D.C. 20500
Larry Irving, Assisant Secretary for
phone: 202-456-2801
Communications and Information, Director,
fax: 202-456-2223
National Telecommunications and Information
internet: [email protected]
Administration, Chair, IITF Telecommunications
Policy Committee
Donald Lindberg, Director, HPCC National Coordination
15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Office National Library of Medicine
Washington, D.C. 20230
8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD. 20894
phone: 202-482-1840
phone: 301-402-4100
fax: 202-482-1635
fax: 301-402-4080
internet: [email protected]
internet: [email protected]
Arati Prabhakar, Director, National Institute of
Press contact: Carol Hamilton, Deputy Director,
Standards and Technology, Chair, IITF
Office of Public Affairs, Department of Commerce
Applications Committee
phone: 202-482-6001
NIST, Administration Building, Room A1134
fax: 202-482-6027
Gaithersburg, MD. 20899
internet: [email protected]
phone: 301-975-2300
fax: 301-869-8972
internet: [email protected]
25
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Name: NTIA Bulletin Board
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Phone: (202) 482-1199
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26