2020 made a grand exit with a series of sales, discounts, and offers celebrated by millions across the globe. Yes, you got that right. I certainly am talking about the Black Friday sale, Cyber Monday in the US, and even the Boxing day sale that gains an overwhelming response in the UK.

But as we bid adieu to 2020, America welcomes the new year by celebrating the National Technology Day that falls on January 6.

Well, I used the word celebration to signify the importance of this day, as technology has become a crucial part of our lives. Be it online shopping to calling for a Pizza over an app, or keeping a health check with wearable devices. Technology is everywhere.

Why does America celebrate National Technology Day on January 6?

From the wheel to airplanes to modern-day smartphones, technology has evolved several folds to make a difference in all our lives. January 6 is the date freezed to stop by and applaud the hard work, persistence, and efforts of inventors who revolutionized technology.

A Las Vegas-based tech company AXEL filed to honor the day in 2016.

The legacy continues

America has always been a frontrunner in the world of science and technology. Right from building the ENIAC computing system in 1943 at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania to landing the first spaceflight (Apollo 11), and the first man on the moon (Neil Armstrong), America has always been very serious about technology.

Industry tycoons, thinkers, and innovators like Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Elon Musk, and many more have made a significant difference to the world of technology.

Institutes like NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center that the world looks up to sets America apart, making them technology pioneers.

The virtual celebration

The coronavirus pandemic has kind of engraved the word virtual on our minds. 2020 has helped us celebrate, stay connected, and even work virtually with the help of modern-day sophisticated technology polished to deal with the pandemic crisis.

So, let’s celebrate January 6 by putting together information and trivia about the recent past and future of technology in America.

The American technology updates

US National Cyber Strategy

If you want technology to work, you need to protect it and also the interest of the people. The White House in September 2018 drafted a National Cyber Strategy that talks about protecting and promoting national security and prosperity of the American people.

Elements of the strategy focus on protecting cyberspace, which has become an integral facet of American life, including defense and economy. It is essential to recall that America gave birth to the internet, which is now extensively used across the globe. And it is equally essential to safeguard and preserve cyberspace for future generations. This is the fundamental that adds to the importance of creating the National Cyber Strategy.

What happens under the strategy?

1. The release of the National Cyber Strategy marks the United States’ fully articulated cyber strategy in 15 years.

2. The strategy explains how the administration will protect the homeland by securing networks, functions, systems, and data.

3. Elements of the strategy promote American prosperity by strengthening the growing digital economy and nurturing strong domestic innovation.

4. The strategy also stresses preserving peace and security by firming the US’ ability in coordination with allies and partners that have the power to deter and, if needed, punish those who misuse or manipulate cyber tools for malicious activities.

Purpose of the strategy

The National Cyber Strategy demonstrates the President’s commitment toward bolstering America’s cybersecurity capabilities and protecting America from cyber threats. It, indeed, is a call to action for all Americans and enterprises to take necessary precautions to improve national cybersecurity.

AI and America

It is the era of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that is transforming everything right from healthcare to retail to manufacturing.

For a long, America has been the frontrunner in the AI genre and is prepared to maintain this leadership forward, based on the strong innovation setup.

Realizing the potential and power of AI for the nation, the country needs to operate on combined efforts of industry, government, and academia.

As US President Donald Trump aptly quoted, “Continued American leadership in AI is of paramount importance to maintaining the economic and national security of the United States and to shaping the global evolution of AI in a manner consistent with our Nation’s values, policies, and priorities.”

In addition, President Donald Trump introduced the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative, the Nation’s strategy for promoting American leadership in AI, by inking an Executive Order 13859 in February 2019.

Apparently, the American AI initiative works toward accelerating AI innovation to benefit the American people, significantly contributing to the world. American AI activities are such that they align with areas of importance such as AI for American innovation, AI for American workforce, AI for American Industry, and AI with American values.

America – Internet of Things: stats and facts

The number of electronic devices that are becoming internet-enabled is proliferating every year, making room for more sophisticated, advanced communication and coordination between such devices. Electronics gadgets ranging from laptops to automotive, to home appliances, everything is being virtually connected by a network called IoT.

Interesting statistics on American IoT that will blow your mind

  • IoT professional services revenue in North America added to USD 25 billion in 2018.
  • As per recent data for the US cellular IoT connection share in H1 2019, automotive took the top spot among industry applications.
  • The predicted number of new IoT connections in North America between 2018 and 2025 is about 1.4 billion.

The end in a nutshell

With government initiatives boosting American Artificial Intelligence to improve the quality of life, it stresses aspects such as more investments in AI research, removing barriers to AI innovation, training an AI-ready workforce, and more.

In due course, the US is looking forward to empowering the current and future generation of American workforce via apprenticeships, skills programs, and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This definitely is enough proof about how seriously America is taking technology. And, no wonder, they still give tough competition to the world, in terms of technology. Believe it or not, the significant investment in AI research and development will likely promote the US in becoming a technology superpower.