In the 19th century, government officials came to understand that steel would be essential to both economic growth and national security. Thus, they devised policies that could sustain local production as well as prevent foreign producers from competing in domestic markets.
While steel and AI could not be more different, many economists view AI as a general-purpose technology that can stimulate both economic growth and innovation. Hence, policymakers must ensure domestic capacity.
However, many government officials also already see AI as a critical technology essential to both national security and economic progress.
Read More Publications
Taking the Wrong Lesson from China’s AI Strategy
Taking the Wrong Lesson from China’s AI Strategy The United States is mimicking China’s approach to centralized data, risking privacy, security and democratic accountability in the name of AI leadership. Chinese leaders early on recognized the importance of data for...
Regrets of the Tech Bros: In a land ruled by the law of the jungle
On his Inauguration Day, Donald Trump sent a message. The founders and CEOs of Apple,Amazon, Google, Meta, Open AI, and Uber, among other giant high-tech companies, sat in the front rows near the Trump family and cabinet nominees. Trump and his staff wanted to use...
The Dangers of AI Nationalism and Beggar-Thy-Neighbour Policies
As they attempt to nurture and govern AI, some nations are acting in ways that – with or without direct intent – discriminate among foreign market actors. For example, some governments are excluding foreign firms from access to incentives for high-speed computing, or...