In an interview last year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the emergence of a second wave of artificial intelligence (AI) driven by government engagement. Huang argued that every region and country needs to build their own sovereign AI in order to serve their specific needs and leverage their business strengths.
The concept of sovereign AI is an extension of digital sovereignty, which emphasizes the control of digital technology for national interests. It involves the strategic development and deployment of AI technologies by governments to protect national sovereignty, security, economic competitiveness, and societal well-being. Sovereign AI stands in contrast to corporate-controlled AI, which is primarily driven by profit motives and market share.
Countries around the world are beginning to adopt sovereign AI strategies. For example, Taiwan has established a national AI development plan to enhance its competitiveness in AI technology. Companies like Nvidia and IBM are advocating for open strategic autonomy, where they cooperate with foreign governments and companies but can act independently when necessary.
Sovereign AI goes beyond regulation and considers AI as critical infrastructure. Governments are focusing on technology development in key areas such as physical infrastructure, software, capital, and workforce. AI is seen as vital to national efforts related to defense, public safety, economic security and development, and foreign policy.
While sovereign AI has the potential to encourage self-sufficiency and balanced AI development, it also risks further fragmentation of the global digital ecosystem. This fragmentation could lead to geopolitical tensions, conflicts over intellectual property and trade disputes, or even military confrontations.
To mitigate these risks, international cooperation and coordination are vital. The United States and other countries engaged in AI development should work together through forums like the G7 to shape AI development in a way that promotes collaboration and avoids a two-way AI race between the U.S. and China.
The move towards sovereign AI presents both opportunities and challenges. It is important to strike a balance that encourages self-sufficiency while maintaining global cooperation. By doing so, the potential benefits of AI can be harnessed without jeopardizing international relations and stability.
