"Technology companies however, are generally lousy about figuring out how to lobby Governments and how to fight what they see as bad legislation. Large companies such as Intel and Texas Instruments have over the years developed their Washington offices and have figured out how the Beltway functions. But they are a rarity, and it is an expensive conversation to join -- Washington lobbyists sell their services for a high price.

Trade organizations such as the Semiconductor Industry Association are reasonably effective at making their presence felt in Washington but, again, it takes time to establish the right connections and be heard.

Many young tech companies don't have the means -- or often the awareness -- that they need to be involved in the political debates."