Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/795051
84 The PCB Magazine • March 2017 If you are like most readers of I-Connect007 publications, you may already know that IPC places a high priority on government relations work because so many government decisions have major impacts on our industry. But how much do you really know about IPC's advocacy program? As President Trump was being sworn in several weeks ago, and as the new Congress was getting down to work, IPC released its Global Policy Framework for 2017 [1] . As we work to represent more than 3,800 member facilities across the electronics industry's global supply chain, IPC will adhere to this framework to guide our policy work in the coming months. All of our advocacy efforts are aimed at fostering an environment in which electronics manufacturers and their suppliers can thrive and grow. The IPC Global Policy Framework breaks out into three broad areas: • Promoting a 21st century economy and workforce • Driving technological innovation and advanced manufacturing • Advocating for smart regulation and environmental policy Let's delve into each one. Promoting a 21st Century Economy and Workforce At the highest level, IPC advocates for gov- ernment policies that lower obstacles to trade and facilitate broad-based economic growth and competitiveness. IPC's Global Policy Framework for 2017— Smart Advocacy for the Industry ONE WORLD, ONE INDUSTRY by John Mitchell IPC—ASSOCIATION CONNECTING ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES