White House Outlines Its AI Action Plan

What is America’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan?

In the early days of the Trump administration, Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” was signed, and America’s AI Action Plan is a result of that Order. The Plan outlines a comprehensive framework developed by the administration to accelerate AI research and development, while ensuring the protection of freedom of speech and expression. The plan is designed to position the U.S. as a global leader in AI innovation.

The AI Plan has Three Pillars

Innovation – One goal here is to remove what the administration deems as “red tape,” which often comes with AI research, particularly at the state level. Federal funds for AI innovation will be withheld from states that the administration deems burdensome, relative to state rules around AI research.  Among other things related to innovation, the Plan is focused on:

• Enabling AI adoption – making it attractive for large organizations to establish a “try first” culture, rather than dragging their feet when it comes to adoption of AI.  There will also be a focus on the adoption of AI within the federal government and the Department of Defense.
• Empowering workers in AI – the administration believes that AI can help generate new pathways that will provide jobs for American workers.
• Investment in AI-enabled Science – to accelerate scientific advancements through the use of AI.

Infrastructure – Due to the heavy computing power needed for AI, it will require new infrastructure for both industry and the federal government; chip factories, data centers and new sources of energy to power them. The Plan also includes the optimization and upgrade of the current U.S. electric grid to help support AI Innovation. The American worker is woven into the infrastructure pillar as well, with the understanding that not only technical workers will be required, but also the workers needed to support the day-to-day running of the factories, data centers, and new businesses that emerge from the use of AI.

International Diplomacy and Security – This pillar includes things like:

• Exporting American AI technology to allies and partners;
• Countering Chinese influence over international bodies’ (NATO, G7, etc.) development of AI frameworks, when they do not align with the United States and other like-minded nations; and
• Plugging loopholes in existing semiconductor manufacturing export controls.

Challenges and Opportunities

On one hand, AI innovation and adoption offer significant employment opportunities, while on the other hand they raise concerns about job displacement and wage effects. The Department of Labor will take the lead in determining the potential negative impacts of AI on the labor market.  At the same time, the Plan opens additional doors for economic growth, improved public services, and technological leadership.

Conclusion

America’s AI Action Plan is a strategy designed to leverage AI for the benefit of the United States while attempting to address its challenges responsibly. By focusing on innovation, infrastructure, and international cooperation, the United States aims to lead the global AI revolution and ensure that its benefits are broadly shared.

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