US needs ‘Manhattan Project-like’ AI plan to vie with China, says gov commission

by

As a seasoned analyst with a background in technology policy and international relations, I have witnessed firsthand the rapid pace of technological advancements and the geopolitical implications they carry. The latest report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission underscores the urgency for the United States to invest heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development.

As an analyst, I find myself advocating for a nationwide endeavor reminiscent of the Manhattan Project, aimed at propelling the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Given the intensifying competition with China in this domain, it seems prudent to heed the recommendation from our bipartisan United States Congressional commission.

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission suggested in their most recent November report that Congress should create and finance a project akin to the Manhattan Project, with the aim of furthering the development of advanced Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

The Manhattan Project refers to a collaborative undertaking between the US government and private research sectors, primarily responsible for the creation of the first atomic bombs during World War II. On the other hand, the report indicates that AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) are systems possessing abilities equal to or surpassing human capabilities, capable of outperforming the sharpest human minds in every task.

As per the USCC’s perspective, collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, akin to those seen during the Manhattan Project, are crucial for propelling Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) progress within the United States.

In their list of suggestions, the commission advised that the U.S. Secretary of Defense should assign the most critical national importance label to AI (Artificial Intelligence) initiatives.

This proposal includes “extensive long-term contracting power granted to the government” and financial support for top AI, cloud, and data center firms, enabling them to progress research and innovation at a rate and magnitude in line with U.S. objectives.

In recent years, the USCC notes that China has primarily concentrated its efforts on advancing cutting-edge technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, quantum science, biotechnology, and energy storage solutions like batteries.

As a crypto investor, I understand that the competitive landscape in various sectors is heavily influenced by the ongoing quest for cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI). This pursuit thrives on effectively integrating key technologies and components, such as high-performance chips, substantial computing power, and extensive data sets to fine-tune language models.

Currently, the U.S. is ahead in terms of many AI-related technologies, but China is swiftly progressing and showcases potential for creative solutions beyond U.S. and its allies’ export restrictions, with varying results.

But should China successfully surmount these obstacles, its swift technological advancement poses a risk to the U.S. economy and military, potentially undermining security and equilibrium in the Pacific region, and even altering the worldwide balance of power,” the document indicates.

In line with its other proposals, the USCC proposes abolishing trade exceptions that currently let certain Chinese products dodge U.S. tariffs.

Established in 2000, this commission serves as a watchdog, conducting ongoing research, probing incidents, and releasing periodic updates to Congress about the commercial and economic interactions between the United States and China.

Read More

2024-11-20 09:01