Manufacturing lobby launches tech group

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) launched a new group Thursday focusing on technology policy issues such as patents, cybersecurity and Internet access. 

The DATA (Driving the Agenda for Technology Advancement) Policy Center will conduct surveys and create promotional materials highlighting the importance of technology to manufacturing, the group said. 

{mosads}Jay Timmons, the CEO of NAM, said the new tech group will help NAM win policy victories on Capitol Hill.

“Manufacturers invest more in research and development and hold more patents than all other domestic industrial sectors combined,” he said. “Their expertise and experience are critical to any technology debate, and the NAM is proud to provide this new platform to amplify manufacturers’ voice.”

Initial participants in the new tech group include AT&T, Boeing, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft and Verizon.