TheBridge profile: Tom Romanoff
Name: Tom Romanoff
Current city: Washington DC
Current job: Director of the Technology Policy Project, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC)
Past job: Program Manager, Northramp
Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? The Bipartisan Policy Center's Technology Policy Project is dedicated to navigating the disruptions caused by rapid technological change and ensuring that American values are reflected in the technology we use. This involves taking a bipartisan approach to technology policy, covering areas such as AI, competition policy, emerging tech, XR/VR/AR/MR, and data privacy. The project aims to provide analysis and insights on trends, developments, and disruptions that may significantly impact the US policy framework, fostering a dialogue between innovators and policymakers to bridge the innovation-policy gap. This effort seeks to construct collaborative spaces where the public and private sectors can engage effectively, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancement in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Q. Job advice in three words? Network widely, persistently.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Innovators can learn from policymakers the importance of understanding regulatory frameworks, the value of stakeholder engagement, and the necessity of anticipating and mitigating societal impacts of technological advancements.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Policymakers can learn from innovators the potential of technology to solve complex problems and the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking to drive progress.
Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Project planning and stakeholder engagement strategy are two sides of the same coin, and learning how to do both well is key to getting big things done.
Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? What is your go to karaoke song?
Q. Is there a long-form article you’d like to recommend? Informal Networks: The Company Behind the Chart by David Krackhardt and Jeffrey R. Hanson
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? Networking is critical for professionals in our field, but there is just so much going on across government and tech. A trusted source, such as The Bridge, helps us navigate the immense challenge of information sharing and collaboration. Especially in tech, these resources are needed since there are so many paths for individuals who are interested in a career in this sector.
Q. Each day is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Communication is, first and foremost, the most essential skill. Strategies for taking good notes and tracking policy analysis will save you a lot of time.
Q. What's one piece of advice you are still trying to master? Practice your writing often and with diverse subjects.
Q. Most underrated virtue in an employee? Wit.
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? Asheville NC.
Q. Which Member of Congress/local lawmaker is most tech savvy? I don’t know about tech savviness, but former Rep. Will Hurd has done so much for tech in government.