The Silicon Valley Leadership Group announced on April 3 the launch of its Coalition on Innovation Infrastructure, a new initiative under the organization’s Center of Expertise on Technology and Innovation.
The coalition aims to bring together hardware manufacturers, software developers, energy providers, data center operators, and network infrastructure companies to focus on ensuring that California has the necessary physical and regulatory foundations to lead in the global artificial intelligence economy.
According to Ahmad Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of SVLG, “California has long been the global home of innovation – but maintaining our competitive edge demands 21st-century infrastructure built to meet this moment.” Thomas said the coalition will take a comprehensive approach by uniting companies that power artificial intelligence from the ground up. He added that this work continues SVLG’s ongoing leadership in technology policy and reflects an increasingly complex policy landscape.
The group said it will use public education campaigns, direct advocacy efforts, and strategic communications as part of its strategy. The coalition plans to address core policy areas while also working to increase public awareness about how critical innovation infrastructure is for California’s competitiveness and economic growth. Recent legislative actions cited include sponsoring bills related to expanding data center capacity and supporting tax credits for innovative businesses.
SVLG noted that its Coalition on Innovation Infrastructure Task Force will build upon previous advocacy efforts around data centers and antitrust issues affecting technology companies. The organization stated that these activities are part of its broader Future Forward Agenda—a multi-year plan focused on strengthening regional innovation and shaping policies for long-term growth across Silicon Valley and California.
Founded nearly five decades ago by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG represents major contributors to Silicon Valley’s economy. Its members provide about one-third of private-sector jobs in the region and contribute over $3 trillion globally.
