The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is seeking public input to revise the United States’ national plan for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. This initiative follows a Biden administration update in 2023, aiming to refine the country’s AI strategy to maintain technological competitiveness. The original plan was established under the first Trump administration in 2016, with subsequent updates by both Trump’s and Biden’s administrations.
In a recently issued request for information (RFI), the OSTP specifically asks for feedback on how the 2023 strategic plan could be rewritten to better position the U.S. in global AI advancements. The current solicitation is open to public comments until May 29, with the official publication in the Federal Register scheduled for Tuesday.
Historically, the national AI R&D plan initially outlined seven strategic areas, including long-term investments, human-AI collaboration, and safety measures. An update in 2019 under Trump emphasized enhancing public-private partnerships, while the 2023 Biden plan added a focus on international collaboration.
Michael Kratsios, OSTP director, highlighted the importance of strategic funding and innovative mechanisms to motivate research. Meanwhile, recent declines in federally funded AI research grants, as tracked by open-source datasets, reflect ongoing shifts in research priorities and funding practices.
The effort to update the plan underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering AI innovation while navigating concerns about data usage and regulatory oversight. As the U.S. seeks a balanced approach, public comments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of national AI policies.
