# Leadership in Global Tech Standards Act of 2021

This bill is about making sure the United States stays competitive in setting international technology standards. Right now, organizations around the world create technical standards that determine how different technologies work together—think of it like agreeing on what size electrical outlets should be so devices work everywhere. The bill pushes the U.S. government to be more involved in these standard-setting processes, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies.

The main goal is to prevent other countries, especially China, from dominating these decisions. When one country controls how standards get set, they can gain a huge advantage in developing and selling technology globally. The bill directs federal agencies to work more closely with American companies and research institutions to make sure U.S. interests are represented in international standard-setting bodies. It also encourages the government to fund research and training so American experts can participate more effectively in these discussions.

For everyday people, this matters because the standards that get set today influence what technology will be available, how expensive it will be, and whether American companies can compete globally. If the U.S. doesn't have a seat at the table when these decisions are made, American workers and consumers could end up with fewer choices and less competitive prices. The bill essentially says the government should treat technology standards as a strategic priority, similar to how it treats military or trade policy, to protect American economic interests in the tech industry.

Leadership in Global Tech Standards Act of 2021

Portman, Rob

Leadership in Global Tech Standards Act of 2021 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program that supports the participation of U.S. small businesses in meetings and proceedings of standards development organizations to develop voluntary technical standards. To carry out this program, the SBA must award grants to small businesses for the reasonable costs of participation in standards development organizations. These grants may only be awarded to small businesses that (1) demonstrate technical expertise in key emerging technologies and technical standards (e.g., artificial intelligence), (2) commit personnel with such expertise to regular participation in international bodies responsible for developing standards for those technologies, and (3) agree to coordinate between the public and private sectors to ensure protection of national security interests in the setting of international standards.