A new poll from Tech:NYC finds a groundswell of support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s Empire AI initiative. While this groundbreaking proposal is aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence development and growing the economy in New York, it is also a smart strategic move to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of innovation – especially in a world where technological prowess is increasingly synonymous with economic and geopolitical power.
However, the promise of Hochul’s AI plan is threatened by a swirl of short-sighted regulatory proposals both at home and from abroad. From the halls of state legislatures to the corridors of Washington, and across the ocean to the European Union, lawmakers are engaging in a misguided “race for regulation” that may seem well-intentioned, but actually risks stifling innovation and ceding ground in the AI race to foreign adversaries.
The stakes in the global AI race are high. Losing our edge to an authoritarian nation like China could have devastating and far-reaching consequences, not just for American technological leadership but for the advancement of democratic values around the globe. China is already misusing AI to tighten the grip of its surveillance state, focusing on censorship and social control instead of harnessing AI’s potential for social good. American leadership in AI is not merely about who owns the technology, but in helping set global standards in how it is used to advance freedom, democracy, and human rights.
The US has been a cradle for AI innovation. Every day, American innovators are launching new transformative AI tools – many available for free – that have the potential to accelerate learning, create new job opportunities, and keep us ahead of our economic and ideological rivals. But the US can’t win the race against our competitors if we sideline ourselves with unnecessary, heavy-handed regulations.
The Empire AI initiative offers a blueprint for how government policy can catalyze and accelerate innovation. By forging public-private partnerships, harnessing the talent within our academic institutions, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, we can drive ethical AI development that reflects our values and advances our national interests. This approach not only counters the practices of our authoritarian adversaries, but it also showcases an alternative vision of technology’s role in society – one that uplifts rather than oppresses.
The enthusiastic response of New Yorkers to the Empire AI initiative should be a guiding light for policymakers. It reflects a broad recognition of AI’s pivotal role in shaping the future, from revolutionizing medical care and energy solutions to redefining educational paradigms. As Governor Hochul aptly noted, dominance in AI will define the next era of human history. Therefore, it is critical that the U.S. navigates the path of innovation with wisdom, ensuring that any regulatory measures foster growth rather than hindering it.
The future of innovation, our values, and our global competitive edge depend on getting it right. The message from New Yorkers is clear: the U.S. must lead in AI, ensuring a future where technology advances the greater good and upholds the values of an open, democratic society.
Doug Kelly is CEO of the American Edge Project, an advocacy group focused on protecting and promoting American leadership in innovation.
Doug Kelly , 2024-04-01 18:03:03
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