Google CEO "US Government Should Play a Bigger Role"... Why This Unusual Demand?

▲Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google [Image source=Reuters News Agency]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, argued that the U.S. government should play a larger role in promoting innovation. Considering that Silicon Valley has traditionally favored a small government approach under the perception that big government hinders innovation, Pichai's remarks are regarded as quite unusual.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 18th (local time), Pichai stated in an interview at the WSJ Tech Live conference, "The U.S. government should take a bigger role in cracking down on cyberattacks and encouraging innovation through policies and investments." He also urged the U.S. government to adopt the Geneva Convention for cybersecurity and to increase investment in technology.

Furthermore, Pichai appealed for an active government role in promoting innovation amid intensifying competition with China. For example, under President Xi Jinping's leadership, the Communist Party has set ambitious plans to develop artificial intelligence capabilities and its own semiconductor sector.

Pichai also mentioned that since Google’s search engine does not operate in China, the company is investing more in quantum computing and artificial intelligence to stay ahead of Chinese internet companies in global markets, including Southeast Asia. He added, "One way to support these efforts by Google would be for the government to adopt policies that provide work visas to talented engineers and scientists from overseas."

WSJ evaluated the shift in Silicon Valley urging government action as unusual. WSJ analyzed, "In the past, Silicon Valley advocated libertarian ideals and preferred minimal government intervention to avoid hindering innovation. However, due to recent competition with China and the intensification of cyberattacks, there is a shift toward wanting a bigger government that is more involved in the technology industry."