Energy and environmental regulation, transportation, and broadband policy all benefit when legislators have a basic grounding in the technical concepts behind business models, products, and innovation.

In this quote, John Sununu emphasizes the importance of legislators having a basic grounding in the technical concepts behind business models, products, and innovation in order to effectively address key policy areas such as energy, environmental regulation, transportation, and broadband. Sununu argues that a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of industries and innovations will enable lawmakers to make informed, practical decisions when creating or adjusting policies that affect these sectors. This, in turn, ensures that policies are not just based on theoretical ideals but on the realities and needs of modern industries.

Sununu’s statement underscores the connection between technology and policy-making, suggesting that policymakers should be well-versed in how industries operate and evolve. This knowledge is crucial for crafting effective regulations that can both foster innovation and address environmental and societal concerns. He highlights that without this understanding, legislators may inadvertently create policies that are disconnected from the realities of how businesses function, hindering progress or creating unintended consequences.

The origin of this quote comes from Sununu’s experience as a politician and public servant, where he served as the Governor of New Hampshire and White House Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. Throughout his career, Sununu was a proponent of evidence-based policymaking and understood that to make effective decisions, lawmakers must be familiar with the technical details and the underlying systems that impact industries and innovation.

Ultimately, Sununu’s message advocates for a more informed and technologically literate approach to policymaking, especially in sectors that directly affect the economy, environment, and infrastructure. His quote suggests that having technical knowledge helps ensure that policies are both pragmatic and forward-thinking, allowing for sustainable growth and effective regulation in rapidly evolving industries.