The AI Competition Center & The Path to Effective Policymaking in the Age of AI
Co-authored by Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS and Colin Crowell, AICC Advisory Council Member & Managing Director, The Blue Owl Group
One thing is now clear: America needs an AI policy framework. We need an approach that is open and competitive, while fostering innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial activity. If appropriately tailored, smart government action on AI can drive advancements throughout our society — from healthcare to education, energy, and environmental policy. The effects will be widespread and transformational, but they must be reckoned with. Getting in front of this transformation is critical to ensuring we build for the benefit of humanity in the long term.
The AI Competition Center (AICC)
At the AI Competition Center from INCOMPAS, our approach is rooted in a principles-based framework and informed by core American tech values: universal service, localism, diversity of perspectives, openness, and competition. Given the global nature of the Internet, embracing global markets, competition, and multi-stakeholder governance is essential. Harnessing the power of AI will require non-partisan cooperation, sensible compromises, and the ability to discern the policy signal through the investment noise.
The Big AI Tent
A “my-way-or-the-highway,” partisan approach to engaging policymakers is counterproductive when it comes to tech policymaking. We’ve spent decades in this arena, and our work has taught us that dismissing any policymaker’s perspective outright is a mistake. Given these issues tend not to fall neatly along partisan lines, policymakers often shift their positions, and can become unexpected allies as new issues emerge. Therefore, the complexities of technology require policymakers to approach AI with curiosity, openness, an appreciation for nuance — and humility. AI policymaking has to be a big tent. The political calculus — once the negotiations and horse trading begin — must reflect this mindset, too.
A non-partisan process also helps to ensure that policies are long-lasting and bring certainty to the marketplace. The foundational laws of the Internet have endured in large part because they involved a series of tough political compromises, and compromise lies at the heart of their passage and their durability and longevity.
Despite our different political alignments and contexts, we both believe in the foundational norms of competition, innovation, and trust. It is precisely because they are unimpeachable and commonly respected that we have consistently placed them at the center of tech policymaking. We intend to do the same now through our work at the Artificial Intelligence Competition Center.
Our Mission
The AICC is one of the first dedicated industry bodies focused on shaping US AI sector policies and practices. Our mission is to promote a competitive, trusted, and innovative AI ecosystem — one that works for all Americans, regardless of their sector or discipline.
Our Priorities
As AI rapidly evolves, it is set to impact every facet of society, unlocking unparalleled opportunities across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, national security, energy, and education. As a result, we are working to ensure we have a diversity of voices at the table.
As we expand our membership and Advisory Council — which is comprised of a unique and impressive group of individuals — we will prioritize the following:
· Open Competition & Innovation: Ensuring an open and competitive AI ecosystem that fosters innovation and prevents monopolistic practices.
· Privacy: Establishing robust standards to protect individuals’ data in the AI era.
· Safety & Public Trust: Creating policies that ensure the safe development and deployment of AI technologies, while maintaining public trust.
· Spectrum Optimization: Managing and optimizing the spectrum to support AI advancements and connectivity.
· Critical Infrastructure & National Security: Protecting and securing critical infrastructure from AI-related threats.
· Copyright: Addressing copyright issues in the context of AI, balancing innovation with intellectual property rights.
· Governance: Developing governance structures that ensure ethical and responsible AI development.
These priorities will guide our efforts as we navigate the complexities of AI policy, striving to shape a future where AI serves society’s best interests. We are calling for participants from a range of sectors, from major tech companies and AI developers, to broadband providers, grid-focused infrastructure companies, and beyond. If you would you like to join us and help advance this mission, please contact our team for more information.