A Tech Perspective on Jimmy Carter’s Legacy

The late Jimmy Carter is often celebrated for his humanitarian work and global diplomacy efforts, but he also had some influence over policies that set the stage for technology modernization and government’s role in that during his presidential run.

Although his one-term presidency spanned the somewhat nascent stages of information technology, it was his administration that introduced the first computer to the White House. He also championed policies that prioritized information accessibility and innovation.

“We expect science and technology to find new sources of energy, to feed the world’s growing population, to provide new tools for our national security, and to prevent unwise applications of science and technology,” Carter said in a 1979 message to Congress. “The federal government should therefore increase its support both for basic research and, where appropriate, for the application of new technologies.”

Bringing the First Computer to the White House

Jimmy Carter’s administration introduced the first computer to the White House, which marked a symbolic and practical step into the digital age and signaled federal government’s acknowledgment of the growing importance of technology in streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

Carter equipped staffers with a shared Hewlett-Packard HP3000 to automate operations in 1978. Early applications included creating databases, tracking correspondence, developing a press release system and compiling congressional issues and concerns, according to the White House Historical Association.

By the end of Carter’s presidency, the White House acquired its first laser printer. Under former president Ronald Reagan, computer technology use expanded further with the introduction of word processors and the widespread adoption of personal computers in the 1980s.

Developing Federal Agencies to Tackle Emerging Challenges

One of Carter’s most notable structural changes to the federal government was the establishment of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Education.

Carter launched DOE to recognize energy as a critical issue, one that intersected with technological advancement and innovation. His administration emphasized energy conservation, research into alternative energy sources and policies aimed at reducing dependency on foreign oil, preluding current-day policies like President Joe Biden’s 2021 executive order on clean energy.

The creation of the Education Department marked Carter’s commitment to making education accessible and equitable. This focus extended to technological literacy, as his administration saw the growing role of technology in shaping educational outcomes.

“We must also strive to increase public understanding and participation in our scientific and technology activities,” Carter added in his message to Congress. “Science education — preparing our children for tomorrow’s technical society — will receive emphasis in the proposed Department of Education and programs of the National Science Foundation. In addition, the federal departments and agencies conducting research and development will continue to support programs that train future generations of scientists and engineers. My administration is committed to overcoming barriers that discourage career opportunities for minorities and women in science and technology.”

As technology continues to evolve in the modern era, government leaders are focusing on attracting and retaining diverse and digitally literate workforces to drive momentum in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Lynelle McKay, chief portfolio management officer in the CHIPS Program Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), told GovCIO Media & Research that employers can create a sustainable workforce by partnering with one another to encourage more women to take STEM jobs and creating best practices to share across the board.

“It starts with the people, and it’s going to end with the people. We have to be able to address [the problem],” said McKay. “We want to have the support system there, not just requirements, but follow through on to ensure that we can help them attack some of the barriers.”

Advancing Tech Equity

Carter’s administration also made significant strides in telecommunications policy to improve operations and develop frameworks across federal priorities like transportation, health care and energy.

In a 1979 statement on the future of telecommunications, Carter emphasized the role of innovation in maintaining U.S. competitive advantage. He noted deregulation and fostering competition in the telecommunications industry to pave the way for technological advancements.

“New applications of telecommunications can do much more to improve our quality of life and conserve our scarce resources,” Carter said. “I believe that the federal research and development emphasis should be on innovative uses of telecommunications and information services — particularly for improving productivity in the delivery of public services by federal, state and local government agencies.”

Carter noted the importance of ensuring information access and digital equity for rural and underserved populations. To support this goal, he framed libraries as hubs for technology and innovation and opened the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services.

“Libraries must be strengthened and the public made more aware of their potential: libraries can be community resources for the consumer and small business on matters such as energy and marketing and technological innovation,” he said at the time.

Building on Carter’s momentum, federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have progressed in recent years to improve what has been commonly referred to as tech equity, especially as health and benefits services become increasingly digital.

The VA’s Digital Divide Consult helps veterans who lack internet access or an internet-connected device to obtain the necessary technology for telehealth care. Through this program, VA providers can refer veterans to social workers who determine eligibility for assistance programs.

“We felt we needed a systematic way when we identified a veteran who did not have the internet or technology to participate in our telehealth programs that we could get them assistance,” VA Executive Director for Telehealth Dr. Kevin Galpin said during an April 2021 hearing with the Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies. “Right now, at all of our medical centers, if a provider identifies a veteran in that category, they can refer the veteran to social workers who have now been trained to help veterans overcome the digital divide.”