Writing in his bog, Krzanich said other countries see AI as a means to economic growth and social progress - however the US lacks a cunning plan.
Krzanich said: "The US technology sector has long been a driver of global economic growth. From the PC to the unternet, the most significant advancements of the past 50 years were spawned in the US. This country's unique approach to limited regulation combined with public-private partnerships creates an environment for innovation generally unmatched in the free world. A national AI strategy can build on this history of economic and technological leadership."
He said that artificial intelligence was astonishing in its potential. It will be more transformative than the PC and the internet. Already it is poised to solve some of our most significant challenges. As examples, AI has been used to more precisely detect and diagnose cancer, treat depression, improve crop yields, save energy, increase supply chain efficiencies and protect our financial systems. These are remarkable successes for such a young technology.
"Governments can and should help build on these successes. A national strategy for AI will provide the necessary guideposts that enable industry and academia to innovate. When the regulatory environment is known and understood, businesses and government researchers can maximize their impact by pursuing the same goals."
He said it would is essential to address concerns about AI's impact on individuals. Privacy, cybersecurity, ethics and potential employment impact are all worthy of careful analysis. Governments and industry can and should work together to understand better these concerns before any new regulation is enacted.
"Governments around the world see AI as a catalyst for economic growth and a means to improve the lives of their citizens. They are prioritising research and development and the establishment of a strong and diverse ecosystem to bring AI to fruition", Krzanich said.
China's plan includes measurable objectives and detailed direction on specific areas of focus. This is backed by significant public-private funding commitments as well as industry-government alignment on path. The EU's strategy provides predetermined path to avoid regulation while investing in R&D.
"The EU offers a clear focus on greater investment, preparation for socio-economic changes, and formation of an ethical and legal framework. Japan, India, France, and others are adopting similar strategies", he said.
.A good model for success is the semiconductor sector, where industry and the US government partnered in the early 1980s to build the vast ecosystem that is considered the North Star for technology success today. AI can be history's most significant economic engine. Governments can – and should – help make this real, Krzanich said.
Before disbandment, the US Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Taskforce defined seven strategic objectives and two specific recommendations for AI. This report called on the government to develop a more detailed AI R&D plan, and study the creation of an AI R&D workforce. These recommendations can be the starting point for a definitive U.S. national strategy for AI.
This is not a call for a swarm of new laws and regulations, he thinks. Rather, "a US national strategy can provide the structure for researchers and industry to follow as they develop artificial intelligence. Such direction provides operating certainty that lessens risk".
A national strategy should foster innovation across the industry and academia, and prepare society for changes to come. It can also provide operating clarity that lessens business risk. Two areas of focus should be prioritised: government funding of R&D to augment the great work being done by industry and the availability of government data for innovators to use in developing artificial intelligence capabilities. AI needs data to learn, and there are ways to do this without compromising privacy and security.
"AI is too big for one company – or one country – to realise alone. The transformative potential of AI has been likened to electricity and the steam engine. Ensuring a role for the U.S. in this global revolution is critical to not just the U.S. economic engine but that of our entire world", Krzanich said.
