Chicago, IL – This summer, the XR Association (XRA) joined the App Association (ACT), the Software Alliance (BSA), the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), and TechNet at both the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to discuss the innovation economy.
As the leading trade association representing the growing XR ecosystem, XRA’s participation highlights the importance of immersive technologies to America’s future and the need for thoughtful policies that advance XR and propel America’s role as a tech leader.
At both national party conventions, the Innovation Nation Policy Forum convened industry, government, civil, and community leaders to discuss the tech infrastructure and agenda. The event touched on AI, privacy and other pressing tech policy issues, and how lawmakers can work with stakeholders to promote well-developed and informed policies. The event aimed to bring together multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue between tech leaders and policymakers on both parties’ platforms and tech priorities for the upcoming years.
XRA CEO Elizabeth Hyman moderated a panel on emerging technology, investment, and global competition at the Democratic National Convention. Panelists included Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI), Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for IBM, and Jared Coyle, Chief AI Officer for SAP North America.
“Immersive technologies are being increasingly deployed across industries, in the workforce, and among federal agencies to bolster economic growth and efficiency,” said Hyman. “In an election year where AI and advanced technologies have taken center stage in the tech debate, XRA has continued to advocate for emerging technologies’ awareness and inclusion in both parties’ platforms. XR’s adoption will continue to accelerate both in the U.S. and internationally in the coming years, requiring leadership and thoughtful approaches to regulatory certainty and innovation.”
XRA’s participation in Innovation Nation comes as lawmakers and regulators increasingly direct their attention to immersive technologies and their potential to address U.S. national, societal and geostrategic challenges. An XR Association analysis report last year found that, in comparison to other governing bodies in China, South Korea, the European Union and the United Kingdom, the U.S. trails in its approach to XR. To maintain its position as the leading market by revenue and producer of immersive technologies, lawmakers must strategically and systematically nurture XR development.
Earlier this year, XRA published a list of legislative priorities aiming to position the U.S. as the world’s leader in XR technology innovation, integration and governance. XRA also joined a group of industry groups in July 2024 to send a letter and “presidential platform” to both campaigns making the argument for investment in STEM-based skills training and improving federal hiring and retention.
XRA applauds the industries’ efforts to drive innovation and support for emerging and immersive technologies and continues to look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with lawmakers to promote innovation, establish consistent regulatory standards, safeguard users from harm, and cultivate trust as technologies evolve.
