SIA Supports Tech Innovation-Focused "Endless Frontier Act"

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Security Industry Association (SIA) is pleased to announce its full endorsement of the Endless Frontier Act (S. 1260), bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D- N.Y.) and Sen. Todd Young (R- Ind.).

The Endless Frontier Act significantly increases investment in research and development, education and training, supply chain security and the broader U.S. innovation ecosystem. In doing so, this legislation authorizes $100 billion to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to:

• Increase research spen- ding at universities, including minority-serving institutions
• Collaborate with U.S. allies and partners to concentrate research in key technology areas that impact U.S. national and economic security
• Fund new scholarship opportunities with universities, community colleges and technical programs that help develop a diverse STEM workforce
• Create local and regional technology hubs
• Leverage existing NSF authorities and programs to accelerate the deployment of thoroughly researched technologies ? from lab to marketplace

The legislation positively impacts SIA members and the security industry since it explicitly lists key technology focus areas that could benefit from NSF research and investment, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced communication technology, cybersecurity, robotics and automation and advanced manufacturing.

"The Endless Frontier Act represents a bipartisan commitment by Senator Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Young to promote federal R&D investment in forward-looking technologies that offer compelling security and life safety applications in the areas of AI, robotics and cybersecurity. The act also reflects an important strategic objective for SIA?to encourage collaboration with minority-serving higher education institutions and thereby foster diversity in manufacturing and STEM-related occupations," said Don Erickson, CEO of SIA.

SIA has long supported U.S. and allied leadership in innovation in key technology areas, including the biometrics industry. Last month, SIA sent a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris urging the administration and Congress to consider policies that enable American leadership in developing biometric technologies.

About SIA
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,100 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through learning and development, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry's top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.

Media Contact

Kara Klein, Security Industry Association, 301-804-4704, [email protected]

SOURCE Security Industry Association