US Urged to Embrace Foreign Talent and Streamline Regulations to Boost AI Progress and Enhance National Security
In recent days, there has been a surge of interest and activity surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) policy in the United States. President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order on the topic, an AI safety summit is taking place in the UK, and the US Senate recently held a closed-door forum discussing AI research and development.
At the Senate forum, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer convened a panel to discuss how the US can enhance its national security and accelerate progress in AI. Here’s an overview of what was discussed and the proposals put forth to achieve these goals.
One of the key suggestions is to open doors to more high-skilled foreign citizens, particularly those working in AI and related fields. Many of the leading figures in AI, such as Geoffrey Hinton and Mira Murati, come from abroad. While the US may not be able to match China’s raw computing power, it can attract the best and brightest minds by making the immigration process more seamless and welcoming.
Further, AI is expected to accelerate progress not only in the field itself but also in related areas like computational biology and green energy. To keep pace with this rapid advancement, the US needs to reevaluate its slow procurement and funding cycles. The current system of biomedical science funding, characterized by bureaucratic processes, should be reimagined to resemble the more agile National Science Foundation or the risk-embracing approach of Darpa.
These changes would greatly enhance the likelihood of translating AI advancements into tangible benefits for everyday Americans.
Permitting reform is another crucial aspect that needs urgent attention. The construction of semiconductor plants is vital for national security and AI progress, as recognized by the CHIPS Act. However, the multiple layers of permits and environmental reviews prolong the process and inflate costs. While there is a general consensus on the need for permitting reform, it has not been implemented yet.
As scientific progress accelerates, regulatory frameworks may need to adapt to keep up with the pace. Critics argue that the FDA approval processes are slow and conservative. This issue could worsen if the number of new candidate drugs surges. While it’s unreasonable to expect the government to match the speed of AI, it can certainly expedite its current processes.
The question arises as to whether AI services require more regulation. In the short term, there can be enhancements, reforms, and reevaluations of existing regulatory bodies to cover AI-generated health or diagnostic advice. An examination of current laws is necessary to align them with emerging technologies, such as AI legal advice.
However, regulating or licensing AI services as separate entities is not advisable at this stage. The industry is still evolving, and greater stability and understanding of risks are needed before implementing broader regulations. Market experimentation is crucial now to determine the best and most appropriate use cases for AI. Bureaucrats with limited AI expertise are unlikely to provide all the answers to these complex questions.
To ensure progress, the time for action is now. The US must move forward with agility and resolve. By leveraging foreign talent, streamlining regulations, and facilitating faster permitting processes, the country can embrace AI progress and enhance its national security.
In conclusion, the United States has a prime opportunity to become a global leader in AI. By adopting an innovative approach to immigration, funding, permitting, and regulation, the US can attract talent, capitalize on scientific advancements, and safeguard its national interests. The time to prioritize AI is now, and the US must seize the moment to secure a prosperous future.
