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This year’s theme for the Future of Florida Summit is Technology and Public Policy, and it is perhaps the most ambitious theme we have ever chosen for the summit. Technology forms the basis of our understanding of the natural world and introduces countless opportunities for improving human welfare, scientific discovery, and political governance. Recently, technology has also taken a forefront in national discussions, such as last year’s Congressional testimonies delivered by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and issues of privacy and cybersecurity that abound in various political sectors. Effective and equitable policy-making is essential to regulate the frontiers of technological progress, but also to use that technology to improve our communities and civic life within Florida. As you begin your research for your pilot project proposals, think about the nexus between Technology and Public Policy, and how it may be applied to issues that we are currently facing in our state.

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Since technology can be a very broad topic, our conversations this year will focus on four primary fields: Government, Criminal Justice, Urban Planning, and Social Policy. Our panelists, who are experts within their respective fields, will lead us through a discussion of technological advances in each of these fields and how public policy is connected to these issues. Below, you can find resources to help you design your policy pilot project and get the most out of the breakout sessions. The instructions linked below are provided to guide you in your work without limiting your creativity. If you have questions, please refer to these materials, email the Chair, Lindsey Cazessus at lindseybc@ufl.edu or ask a Student Organizing Committee Member.

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