Toni Dimaano Tech 11.04.2022 11:Nov AM EDT

Barack Obama Became the first African-American President in 2008: Here are His Government's Contribution to Tech

Barack Obama moved into the White House during the digital dark ages in 2009, and still somehow turned around the way people view technology when he did.

According to Engadget, Obama prioritized the modernization of the federal government of the US, and tackling STEM education and climate change.

While not everything he did as president is a massive success, it is undeniable that Obama is commendable for putting technology at the forefront of his presidency.

With that, here are some of Obama's notable legacies as America's tech savvy leader:

1. Modern Broadband Communications

It is not surprising the first African-American president made broadband communications modernization a priority, seeing how it helped skyrocket his campaign to his eventual election.

He immediately invested in improving the quality of the internet, not only in the White House, but in every home and establishment in the US.

Aside from this, the Obama White House Archives writes that by funding this project, the former president wanted to power facilities like schools and libraries, and hospitals and public safety offices.

While doing all of this, Obama also sought net neutrality, or the notion that every internet traffic should be treated equally.

2. Obama And Space

During his administration, he led the revitalization of NASA by increasing its budget for space explorations and space shuttle programs.

With this, it was only six months after his inauguration that a private company called SpaceX, became the first private company to reach orbit to run resupply missions to the ISS.

Engadget claims that programs like these were billion-dollar investments into the industry to ensure that it leads its forces to positive change.

3. Open Data Initiatives

The Obama Organization reports that on his first day in office, a Transparency and Open Government memorandum was issued by the former president.

This was in commitment to his administration's goal of creating an unprecedented level of openness to foster transparency and collaboration amongst the government and the people.

He ordered the launch of Data.gov, Challenge.gov, and BusinessUSA.gov to help communities map significant information that would benefit people, industries, and communities through open data.

4. National Robotics Initiative

In a broader effort to promote artificial technology and American manufacturing through Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, Obama launched the Presidential Robotics Initiative.

This project highlights the development of robots that can aid humans through their extended and augmented human capabilities, the Obama White House Archives says.

Besides this, the robots were created to assist astronauts in dangerous missions, help scientists in the discovery of new drugs, and improve food safety against microbial contamination.

5. TechHire Initiative

Not only did Obama contribute to technology by fast-tracking developments, but by supporting it, the industry grew large enough to create jobs for Americans.

The TechHire Initiative is a campaign that promotes working with middle-class communities towards well-paying technology jobs.

This project is a multi-sectoral call to action to empower Americans through universities and communities with necessary skills needed in a competitive, technological, and global economy.