🇺🇸 United States' National AI Strategy

The National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development (R&D) Strategic Plan 2023, which was published in May 2023. This document provides a comprehensive update to the nation's AI roadmap, following earlier versions from 2016 and 2019.

The United States has been a leader in AI development, but its national AI strategy has evolved in response to global trends, national security considerations, and innovation-driven policies. Below is a timeline of key AI-related policy announcements over the past decade, which outlines the U.S. government's approach to fostering and regulating AI.

The United States has long been a global leader in AI research, innovation, and strategy development. Over the past decade, the U.S. government has released various strategic documents and initiatives to foster AI growth, ensure national security, and maintain technological competitiveness. Below is a detailed timeline highlighting key moments in the U.S. AI strategy from 2024 back to 2014, with links to relevant documents and reports.

2024: AI Risk Management and National Security Enhancement

• Event: In 2024, the U.S. government focuses on enhancing AI governance and addressing the risks posed by advanced AI systems. The federal government emphasizes public-private partnerships to strengthen AI safety and security in critical infrastructure, defense, and financial systems. AI standards for ethical use and transparency become more robust, with continued efforts to ensure AI applications align with U.S. democratic values.
• Document/Link: Pending release.

2023: AI Bill of Rights Released

• Event: The White House publishes an AI Bill of Rights, which outlines protections and ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI systems. It emphasizes principles such as privacy, fairness, and transparency, aiming to ensure that AI is developed in ways that protect civil liberties and do not exacerbate societal biases.
• Document/Link: AI Bill of Rights (2023).

2022: National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Implementation

• Event: The U.S. government officially launches the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), a shared platform designed to democratize access to AI resources for researchers across academic institutions, industries, and government agencies. NAIRR aims to accelerate AI research, innovation, and collaboration, particularly in underserved regions and sectors.
• Document/Link: NAIRR Roadmap (2022).

2021: National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act

• Event: The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act becomes law in January 2021. This landmark legislation establishes a coordinated federal strategy for AI development across government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. The initiative focuses on advancing U.S. leadership in AI, promoting AI education and workforce development, and ensuring ethical and responsible AI use.
• Document/Link: National AI Initiative Act (2021).

2020: Executive Order on Promoting the Use of Trustworthy AI in Government

• Event: The Trump administration issues an Executive Order on Promoting the Use of Trustworthy AI in Government, which mandates that federal agencies adopt AI systems that are ethical, accountable, and aligned with American values. This order highlights the government's commitment to AI innovation while ensuring that public trust is maintained.
• Document/Link: Executive Order on Trustworthy AI (2020).

2019: American AI Initiative

• Event: President Trump signs the American AI Initiative through an executive order. The initiative sets out a strategy for federal agencies to prioritize AI research and development, ethical AI use, workforce development, and international collaboration. The initiative is the first comprehensive national strategy on AI, and it includes a call to action for federal agencies to improve access to AI resources and data for researchers.
• Document/Link: American AI Initiative (2019).

2018: Department of Defense AI Strategy

• Event: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) releases its first AI Strategy, recognizing AI as a critical tool for future military capabilities. The strategy focuses on accelerating the adoption of AI within defense systems, ensuring the ethical use of AI in military operations, and collaborating with allied nations to develop AI for defense applications.
• Document/Link: DoD AI Strategy (2018).

2017: Report on Preparing for the Future of AI

• Event: The White House releases a comprehensive report titled Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence, which outlines the potential benefits and challenges of AI for the U.S. economy, national security, and society at large. The report also provides recommendations for government action in AI research, education, and policy to ensure that AI is used for public good.
• Document/Link: Preparing for the Future of AI (2017).

2016: National AI and Robotics Roadmap

• Event: The National AI and Robotics Roadmap is released as part of the U.S. government’s broader strategy to promote AI and automation technologies. This roadmap provides a detailed vision for AI and robotics development in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and national security, with a focus on workforce readiness and ethical AI use.
• Document/Link: National AI and Robotics Roadmap (2016).

2015: Broadening AI Research and Development

• Event: The U.S. government increases its focus on AI research, with a particular emphasis on funding AI initiatives through agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DARPA. Several AI research programs are expanded, and public-private partnerships are encouraged to accelerate AI innovation. AI applications in healthcare, defense, and education begin to take root in government priorities.
• Document/Link: NSF AI Research Initiatives (2015).

2014: DARPA’s AI and Machine Learning Investment Surge

• Event: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) significantly increases its investments in AI and machine learning, focusing on next-generation AI technologies for defense applications. DARPA’s programs, such as the AI Next Campaign, target advances in natural language processing, autonomous systems, and AI for cybersecurity, laying the groundwork for future U.S. dominance in AI research.
• Document/Link: DARPA AI Next Campaign (2014).

https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/chinas-national-power-and-artificial-intelligence/

2023

NATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 UPDATE

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2023: Launch of the National AI Cybersecurity Strategy

In April 2023, the Biden administration introduced the National AI Cybersecurity Strategy, which emphasized the need for strong cybersecurity measures to protect AI technologies used in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, healthcare, and transportation. This strategy aimed to ensure that AI systems are safe from cyber threats as they become increasingly integrated into the fabric of U.S. national infrastructure.

• Event: National AI Cybersecurity Strategy launch.
• Date: April 2023
• Details: The strategy promoted collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and international partners to strengthen the security of AI systems in critical industries.
• Link: National AI Cybersecurity Strategy

2022: Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights

In October 2022, the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) introduced the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. This non-binding framework was designed to protect citizens from the potential risks posed by AI technologies, particularly around issues of privacy, bias, and fairness. It outlined five key principles to ensure that AI systems operate in a way that respects human rights.

• Event: Release of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.
• Date: October 2022
• Details: The blueprint established protections against biased decision-making, a right to privacy and transparency, and recommendations for the responsible use of AI systems.
• Link: Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights

2021: Updated National AI R&D Strategic Plan

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) updated the National AI Research and Development Strategic Plan in June 2021. This revision expanded on the 2016 version by adding new objectives, including the promotion of trustworthy AI systems and the need for diversity and inclusion in AI research. It reaffirmed the role of AI in national security and economic competition.

• Event: 2021 Update to the National AI R&D Strategic Plan.
• Date: June 2021
• Details: The updated plan focused on building ethical, trustworthy AI systems and emphasized equitable participation in AI research and development.
• Link: 2021 National AI R&D Strategic Plan

2020: National AI Initiative Act of 2020

In December 2020, the National AI Initiative Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in early 2021. This legislation established a formal framework for AI development in the U.S., promoting coordination between federal agencies, supporting AI research, and focusing on AI ethics and standards. The Act also encouraged international collaboration on AI governance.

• Event: National AI Initiative Act signed into law.
• Date: December 2020
• Details: The Act called for a federal strategy to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in AI, fostering R&D, workforce development, and standards.
• Link: National AI Initiative Act of 2020

2019: Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in AI

In February 2019, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, marking the launch of the American AI Initiative. This was a pivotal moment in the U.S. AI strategy, directing federal agencies to increase investments in AI research and development, support AI education, and foster public-private collaboration.

• Event: Executive Order on AI leadership.
• Date: February 11, 2019
• Details: The Executive Order outlined the key pillars for maintaining U.S. leadership in AI, including R&D, governance, and workforce development.
• Link: Executive Order on AI (2019)

2018: Establishment of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC)

In June 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense created the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to accelerate AI integration into military systems. The center was tasked with managing AI initiatives across the DoD, highlighting the growing importance of AI in national security and defense modernization.

• Event: Establishment of the Joint AI Center.
• Date: June 2018
• Details: The JAIC aimed to enhance U.S. defense capabilities through AI technologies, focusing on applications such as autonomous systems and cyber defense.
• Link: Joint AI Center Announcement

2017: AI and the National Security Strategy

In December 2017, the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy explicitly recognized AI as a critical component of national defense. This marked a shift toward integrating AI into U.S. military and national security policy, signaling the technology’s growing importance for defense and intelligence operations.

• Event: AI included in the National Security Strategy.
• Date: December 2017
• Details: The National Security Strategy highlighted AI’s potential to modernize U.S. defense capabilities and maintain strategic competitiveness.
• Link: 2017 National Security Strategy

2016: National AI Research and Development Strategic Plan

In October 2016, the U.S. government published the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. This was the first comprehensive federal effort to coordinate AI research across government agencies, with a focus on areas like human-AI collaboration, long-term AI investments, and ethical AI development. The plan served as a roadmap for future U.S. AI initiatives.

• Event: Release of the National AI R&D Strategic Plan.
• Date: October 2016
• Details: The strategic plan outlined seven key priorities for AI development, including advancing human-AI collaboration and ethical AI research.
• Link: National AI R&D Strategic Plan (2016)

2013: Initiation of AI Discussions in Federal R&D

As early as 2013, the U.S. government began emphasizing the potential of AI in its broader science and technology agendas. The National Science Foundation (NSF) began prioritizing AI-related research projects, laying the foundation for future AI developments.

• Event: AI research highlighted by NSF.
• Date: 2013
• Details: The NSF started directing increased funding towards AI-related initiatives, acknowledging the importance of AI in maintaining U.S. global competitiveness.
• Link: NSF AI Research Focus

2016

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