Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, wasted no time describing the theme of this year's International CES—innovation.
“Innovation is the engine for global economy,” he said, adding that all sectors need to embrace innovation as a central element to economic growth.
CEA's cause, Shapiro says, is a cause of innovation. The organization is focused on fighting for an innovation-focused agenda. “We will continue to improve, create and find a better way to challenge the status quo,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro says CEA applauds innovation in the form of a new “visionary broadband plan to claim under-utilized spectrum.”
The goal is to free up 500 MHz of spectrum in 10 years.
Shapiro also reintroduced the audience to the Innovation Movement, which is “a coalition of Americans who believe innovation is the key to reviving the global economy.”
The organization's beliefs center on the following:
- Free Trade
- Ubiquitous Broadband Deployment
- H1B Visa Reform
- Federal Deficit Reduction
In the same vein, Shapiro plugged his new book, “The Comeback”, which he described as a blueprint for economic success in America.
Shapiro stated that this year's CES has more innovation than ever before, from 3D to Internet-connected TVs, which are projected to reach 30 million in sales by 2014. In fact, CEA's Vision magazine reported that by 2014, more than 70% of all consumer electronics products will be connected to the Internet.
In addition to broadband and the plethora of apps, the TV screen is being transformed into a movie theater experience, Shapiro said.
Shapiro also announced the upcoming CE Week in New York City, which, acclaimed Fashion Week, will bring together manufacturers, media and consumers who are passionate about the consumer electronics industry. CEA Line Shows, set to take place June 22 and 23, is just one example of the type of events planned for CE Week.
And lastly, to further promote the concept of free trade, CEA has teamed with the city of Las Vegas to rename the Las Vegas Convention Center to Las Vegas World Trade Center, which establishes Las Vegas as a significant city promoting trade, Shapiro explained.
“Technology empowers citizens of the world,” he concluded, adding that the projected U.S. sales growth in technology is 3.5% or $186 billion.
