Federal agencies have been directed to focus on artificial intelligence.

Following on the heels of nearly 20 other countries that have begun implementing national artificial intelligence (AI) strategies, U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order launching the American AI Initiative.

This step builds on other actions taken by the Trump administration, including a summit it held in May 2018 on the role of AI in industry and a $2-billion commitment in September 2018 by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to fund AI research.

As part of the American AI Initiative, federal agencies will be assigned specific timelines for unspecified deliverables that will be revealed within the next six months. The program will have five “key pillars,” including research and development, infrastructure, governance, workforce and international engagement. Agencies will be expected to prioritize AI investments, provide better reporting on AI R&D spending and facilitate access for researchers to federal data, algorithms and computer processing.

Separately, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy —and other groups –– will draft general guidelines for governing AI to ensure its safe and ethical use, and the White House’s AI advisory committee and council on job training will identify the means for expanding education in AI. The administration also hopes to collaborate on AI projects with other countries without compromising U.S. interests. 

While the fact that AI is being highlighted by the administration is welcome, some are concerned about the singular focus on industry and the lack of input from academia and civic leaders.