Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of the United States maintaining its dominant position in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. He pointed out that China’s progress in AI is accelerating, but the U.S. is currently the leader in all three critical layers of AI technology – chips, models, and applications. To solidify U.S. leadership, Kratsios emphasized the need for a “promote and protect” strategy, which involves accelerating technology development while safeguarding critical technologies from falling into the hands of potential adversaries like China.
During the first Trump administration, there was a focus on advancing American leadership in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and 5G. President Trump signed an executive order prioritizing U.S. leadership in AI in 2019, long before the technology gained widespread recognition. However, Kratsios noted a shift in attitude towards AI when President Biden took office, with a greater emphasis on potential harms and over-regulation. The Trump administration’s approach was centered around minimizing risks while recognizing the transformative potential of AI technology.
To maintain U.S. dominance in AI, Kratsios stressed the need for continued research and development to drive innovation. The administration aims to remove regulatory barriers to AI innovation and enhance workforce training to leverage AI technology effectively. Additionally, Kratsios highlighted the importance of partnering with foreign allies to ensure that U.S. AI technology is used by like-minded nations. By exporting American AI technology to allies, the U.S. can strengthen its position as the leading power in AI and limit China’s access to critical technologies necessary for AI development.
China’s advancements in AI have raised concerns about its capabilities in surveillance and national security. Kratsios underscored the U.S.’s goal of remaining the dominant power in AI by controlling the inputs critical for AI development, like high-end chips and equipment necessary for training models. By making it challenging for China to access these crucial components, the U.S. can maintain its technological edge. Looking ahead, Kratsios expressed optimism about the U.S. entering a “golden age” fueled by science and technology, outlining ambitious goals like putting an American flag on Mars, returning to supersonic flight, and integrating AI to improve American workers’ productivity and safety.
Overall, Kratsios outlined the Trump administration’s strategy to promote U.S. leadership in AI through accelerating innovation while protecting critical technologies from potential adversaries like China. By emphasizing research and development, removing regulatory barriers, and collaborating with foreign allies, the U.S. aims to maintain its position as the global leader in AI. Balanced approaches that recognize both the transformative potential and potential risks of AI are central to shaping U.S. policy in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
