November 11, 2008

Handicapping who will be appointed chief technology officer in President-elect Barack Obama's administration is the latest parlor game in Silicon Valley.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt is just one of many names mentioned for the job, although he has denied any interest.

During his campaign, Obama pledged to appoint a chief technology officer who would oversee technology policy and adoption by the federal government. The newly created Cabinet-level post would be part of a larger plan by his administration to ensure that the country remains competitive in the 21st century as technology becomes an even more central part of everyone's lives.

Whoever accepts the post will become a high-profile voice for promoting everything from innovation (getting agencies to use the latest technology) to open government (Web casting meetings) to spreading broadband (to bridge the digital divide).

When he takes office, Obama will be the most technologically savvy president ever, according to many in the technology industry. His use of online fundraising and social networking during his campaign, along with his penchant for carrying a BlackBerry to check his e-mail on the road, makes him someone who understands technology, they said.