Robert Cresanti
Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce
Robert C. Cresanti was sworn in as Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology on March 20, 2006 in a private ceremony. President Bush nominated him on November 10, 2005; the United States Senate confirmed him on March 16, 2006. As head of the Technology Administration (TA), Cresanti oversees a policy analysis staff, and provides oversight to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Technical Information Service.
The primary mission of the Technology Administration (TA) is to maximize the competitiveness and innovation of the U.S. technology industry and its contribution to America's economic growth and global leadership. The Under Secretary is focused on carrying forward President Bush's vision to grow the economy through the American Competitiveness Initiative and related policies and programs. As a portal between the federal government and the technology community, the Under Secretary's priorities are to:
- continue the Technology Administration's work in paving the way for appropriate government support of industry's rapid advances in technological development;
- foster an environment conducive to private sector investment in innovation, by identifying ways to facilitate knowledge exchange between scientists and investors, which will boost our country's economic performance;
- find efficient ways to promote the mechanisms and capture the data necessary to ensure and measure our return on government R&D investments;
- serve as a one-stop-shop for U.S. industry representatives to discuss and resolve critical issues that challenge their ability to thrive.
The Under Secretary also serves on four committees of the President's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC): the Committee on Education and Training; the Committee on International Science, Engineering, and Technology; the Committee on National Security; and the Committee on Technology.
Before his confirmation, Cresanti served as Vice President of Public Policy at the Business Software Alliance. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Information Technology Association of America. Earlier in his career, he served as Staff Director for the Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem. He was also Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Financial Services and Technology for the Senate Banking Committee. Mr. Cresanti received his B.A. degree from Austin College and his J.D. degree from Baylor University.
Appearances
- RFID Roundtable June 27, 2006
Biography last updated June 15, 2006