MSPC joins policy leaders at national tech summit

I was proud and honored to represent Mountain States Policy Center at the James Madison Institute’s annual Tech and Innovation Summit in Florida on June 25-26, 2025. The summit was divided into two parts: a closed-group roundtable and an open day that featured workshops and policy debates.

On June 25, MSPC provided its expertise to the closed-group Emerging Tech Threats Roundtable. This in-depth conversation covered several important discussion topics, including AI and the structure of data center infrastructure, child safety online, and antitrust in tech markets. Our perspective focused on facilitating innovative technologies while adopting responsible safeguards with necessary human oversight.

I had the opportunity to highlight how Mountain States Policy Center is actively participating in the national AI policy discussion. My recommendation to attendees was to look beyond white papers and start the hard, urgent work of building good policy from the ground floor. This includes being committed to federalism as a governing principle while understanding that there is still a need for a national framework. This is especially important as some states continue to adopt tech regulations. While a focus on protecting children online is important, these efforts should be part of a coordinated approach.

The main JMI policy event featured a wide variety of workshops and learning sessions to help policy leaders keep up with the most current intelligence on technology and the challenges ahead. Topics within the tech sector were diverse, with sessions titled “Truth in the Age of AI,” “Florida’s Algorithm for Innovation,” and panels discussing broadband policy and regulatory reform.

Former Michigan Congressman Justin Amash delivered a strong keynote address on the importance of principled governance in policymaking and specifically regarding technology policy.

MSPC’s participation in the national tech conference demonstrated our continued focus on the need for thoughtful policymaking that encourages innovation, protects consumers, and responsibly controls the rise of new threats. We are grateful to the James Madison Institute for putting together the event and for the creative and thoughtful tech brainstorming.