Silicon Alley looks to de Blasio to help boost high tech in NYC

New York City's tech industries have grown steadily in recent years, becoming a vital cog to the economy, and digital insiders hope that Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio keeps the trend going as he takes office in January.

De Blasio's tech talking points have been mostly vague, though he has consistently said he wants to keep New York an industry leader. To do that, his expressed plans for Silicon Alley include proposals to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, to fight for workforce diversity and to advocate for immigration reform that would retain and attract talent. Still, compared to his predecessor, it is somewhat of a light load.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has left a rich legacy in technology: Through his policies, initiatives and endless vocal support, Bloomberg helped turn tech into New York's second-largest industrial sector, a national hot spot second only to Silicon Valley's.

However, many industry leaders are optimistic de Blasio can keep New York at the top of the tech world.

"De Blasio has probably been the most vocal elected leader around tech policies that go directly to the core of New York's [tech] community's most important needs," said Andrew Rasiej, chairman of New York Tech Meetup, which organizes regular gatherings of tech professionals.

Many agree, but with the caveat that de Blasio is mostly unproven in the area and should lay out more detailed plans in the coming months.

"To be honest, he hasn't been specific enough" to analyze his proposals, said Jake Schwartz, chief executive and co-founder of General Assembly, a tech educational institute. He's made "really encouraging general statements, but what we're going to be looking for is when the rubber hits the road with policy decisions and how he chooses to staff the Economic Development Corporation" and his office.

De Blasio's office didn't respond to requests for comment.

Silicon Alley leaders and insiders offer suggestions about how he can continue New York's progress in the area:

Be a cheerleader: Bloomberg was vocal about the city's tech industries, which some experts said was a major contributor to raising their profile.

"Probably the biggest thing Bloomberg did for tech in New York was talking about it," said Erik Grimmelmann, executive director and vice chairman of the New York Technology Council, an advocacy group.

Improve broadband and wireless connectivity: "It's the most major issue because from it drives so many things," Rasiej said.

Stay business-friendly: "The technology community benefited tremendously from the Bloomberg administration's focus on innovation and enabling companies to grow," said Arnab Gupta, chief executive of startup Opera Solutions.

Expand to the outer boroughs: Silicon Alley is almost synonymous with a handful of areas in Manhattan, but Schwartz said there are moves in the outer boroughs that de Blasio should champion.