National Artificial Intelligence Initiative

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Name	National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Formed	January 1, 2021
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Agency type	Interagency initiative
Key document	National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020
Website	https://www.ai.gov/

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative. It is a comprehensive, multi-agency effort to coordinate and accelerate artificial intelligence research, development, and deployment across the United States federal government. Established by the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020, the initiative aims to maintain U.S. leadership in AI amid growing global competition. It provides a framework for sustained investment and coordination among key federal entities, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.

Overview

The initiative serves as the central organizing structure for the U.S. government's activities in artificial intelligence, encompassing a wide range of strategic, research, and policy efforts. It was formally launched following the passage of legislation as part of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Key activities under its purview include funding for fundamental AI research at institutions like the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the establishment of new research institutes, and the development of standards and guidelines. The overarching goal is to promote trustworthy AI innovation that reflects American values and strengthens the nation's economic and national security.

History and background

The push for a coordinated national strategy on artificial intelligence gained significant momentum during the Trump administration, influenced by reports from the Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Preceding efforts included the American AI Initiative, launched by an Executive Order in 2019, which directed federal agencies to prioritize AI investments. Bipartisan support in the United States Congress, particularly from lawmakers like Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Frank Lucas, led to the drafting and inclusion of the authorizing legislation. The final act built upon earlier strategies and recommendations from entities like the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council.

Key components and programs

Core elements of the initiative include the establishment of a network of National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes, funded primarily through the National Science Foundation in collaboration with other agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture. It mandates the creation of a national AI research resource, often referred to as the NAIRR, to provide researchers and students with access to computational power and datasets. Other critical programs involve the National Institute of Standards and Technology leading work on AI standards and risk management frameworks, and the Department of Energy supporting AI research for scientific discovery through its network of National Laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Governance and participating agencies

Governance is distributed across a complex interagency ecosystem, coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council. The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office, housed within the OSTP, provides day-to-day coordination and implementation support. Major participating agencies include the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense through its Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and later the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. Advisory input comes from bodies like the National AI Advisory Committee and the AI and Technology Workforce Task Force.

Strategic goals and priorities

Strategic priorities are focused on advancing long-term AI innovation, developing a skilled workforce, and ensuring leadership in international standards setting. A primary goal is to bolster fundamental and applied research across federal R&D agencies to overcome technical barriers in fields like machine learning and computer vision. The initiative emphasizes the need for a diverse AI workforce, supporting education programs from K-12 through postgraduate levels. It also prioritizes the development of trustworthy AI systems, with a focus on issues of algorithmic bias, security, and accountability, aligning with principles outlined in the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.

International context and cooperation

The initiative operates within a competitive global landscape where nations like the People's Republic of China and alliances such as the European Union are making substantial investments in AI through programs like China's Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan and the EU's Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence. The United States engages in selective international cooperation on AI through multilateral forums like the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and bilateral agreements with key allies including the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. These engagements focus on shared research, aligning ethical guidelines, and promoting democratic values in the governance of emerging technologies.

Category:Artificial intelligence Category:Science and technology in the United States Category:United States federal legislation Category:2020 in American law