WASHINGTON – June 8, 2021 – BSA | The Software Alliance applauds today’s Senate vote in favor of the US Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). BSA supports the Act’s commitment to high-tech R&D funding as well as provisions that promote economic development and advance US development goals in beneficiary developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences. The latter provisions will help facilitate cross-border access to technology, knowledge, and data; promote the ability to transfer data seamlessly and responsibly across borders; support the privacy of personal information and consumer protections online; and build digital connectivity and inclusiveness across communities.

“Digital trade and cross-border access to technology can drive economic empowerment and resilience across beneficiary developing countries,” said Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance. “It’s important for USTR to have ongoing conversations with developing countries about these benefits. These proposed amendments bring welcome attention to the benefits of digital trade and update the Generalized System of Preferences for today’s economic opportunities.”

Open and forward-looking digital trade policies can build digital inclusion, increase financial access, support domestic innovation, and foster overall economic empowerment and resilience. Read more in the Global Data Alliance’s primer, “Cross-Border Data Transfers & Economic Development.”