Software.org: the BSA Foundation led a Congressional staff delegation trip to San Francisco last week, emphasizing digital transformation across sectors. Congressional staffers from key committees, leadership, and member offices toured company facilities and participated in robust discussions about the intersection of government and digital transformation.

During visits to Adobe, Autodesk, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and SAP, industry executives and experts showcased how they leverage cutting-edge innovations in connected technologies, data analysis, AR/VR, and artificial intelligence to digitally transform the American economy, solve today’s problems, and generate thousands of new software-related jobs.

In addition to experiences at leading software companies, the program engaged companies across sectors and community stakeholders in unique ways.

Participants visited the Chase Center, home to the Golden State Warriors. Here, they learned about the role of software in fan and in-game experience, new blockchain applications, and innovative ways the Warriors franchise is leading in innovation within the league.

An interactive panel discussion organized in partnership with the Bay Area Council allowed the opportunity to interact directly with executives from First Republic Bank, Gensler, and Sutter Health. Business leaders demonstrated how they are applying digital tools in financial services, architecture design, and healthcare.

At Stanford University, the congressional delegation visited the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). The group heard from academics about the role of technology in society and the economy and participated in a roundtable discussion with members of President Biden’s National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC), including Software.org President Victoria Espinel.

A visit to the innovative Design Tech High School (d.tech) on Oracle’s campus took participants behind-the-scenes and into classrooms where students are learning the skills needed in today’s digital economy.