NIST Virtual Listening Session: Paul Lekas Advocates U.S. Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technology Standards

Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy & Government Affairs at the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), addressed the NIST Virtual Listening Session on the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology on December 19, 2023. He endorsed NIST’s call for increased U.S. participation in Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) standards. He stressed the role of standards in economic growth and democratic values. Lekas proposed federal grants for SMEs, emphasizing their vital contributions to CET standards. Underlining the importance of balancing innovation and standards, he suggested measures to enhance private sector engagement, including advisory committees and regular meetings. Lekas urged sustained U.S. commitment to global leadership in CET standards.