Thank You for Connecting with Voices for Innovation at Connect 2025
Voices for Innovation wants to thank members of the Microsoft Alumni Network for welcoming us at the Connect 2025 Conference and Power of the Pack. We enjoyed connecting with many of you and hope you’ll sign up for Voices for Innovation. Microsoft alums have the experience and expertise to be great tech policy advocates!
UPCOMING WEBINAR
We’re excited to invite Microsoft Alumni Network members to our upcoming webinar, “Tech Advocacy 101 Roundtable: Best Practices for Advancing Policies You Support,” on Thursday, September 25, 11-11:30AM Pacific | 2:00-2:30PM Eastern. Learn more and register now.
And now here’s our roundup of recent tech policy highlights…
Microsoft Sets Roadmap for Security in the Quantum Era
Microsoft recently announced its Quantum Safe Program Strategy, which sets a path for preparing for the quantum computing era with security as a first priority. Quantum computing has the future potential to crack today’s encryption technologies—so now is the time to begin to prepare for post-quantum cryptography.
In a new blog post, Microsoft VP of Customer Security & Trust Amy Hogan-Burney notes that both the private sector and government have roles to play in preparing for quantum. The federal government can lead the way by establishing quantum safety as a national cybersecurity priority, among other steps.
New Federal Report Emphasizes AI in Workforce Development
Last month, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education released a joint report outlining the administration’s approach to workforce development. “America’s Talent Strategy: Equipping American Workers for the Golden Age” emphasizes several key factors in strengthening America’s workforce, including improving AI readiness. The report notes that, “AI represents a new frontier for workers,” and that the federal government will support regional AI learning networks. Community College Daily summarizes the report at this link.
U.S. Cities to Leverage AI to Improve Services
Five more cities recently joined the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance to explore ways to use AI to improve city services. Both Boston and Kansas City will focus on improving 311 services and responding to non-emergency issues using AI. Other cities joining the program include Denver, Austin, and Newport News, Virginia. Launched in 2022, this Bloomberg Philanthropies program helps mayors and their teams to better use data for developing policies, providing services, and measuring progress.
VFI Blog: U.S. AI Policy Framework Comes into Focus
In a new blog, Voices for Innovation summarizes the much-anticipated framework for U.S. AI policy, “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan.” The Plan lays out three key pillars focused on AI innovation, infrastructure, and diplomacy and security.