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Charting a Sustainable Path: How the U.S. Can Secure Long-Term Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
The U.S. must align AI innovation with democratic values and invest in infrastructure, workforce, and ethical policies to sustain global leadership. Clear strategies and collaboration are key.

How the U.S. Can Achieve Sustainable AI Leadership
Executive Summary
Current debates on emerging technologies often equate national strength with innovation and manufacturing, but they tend to prioritize production over other critical factors. While new technologies have the potential to drive social progress, much of the conversation centers on how competitors like China are advancing and possibly overtaking the U.S. Yet, this narrative relies on flawed measures of power and competition.
The U.S. needs a clearer strategy to solidify its leadership in artificial intelligence and other key technology sectors. Simply embracing deregulation to spur innovation isn’t enough; fragmented federal and state regulations create uncertainty and increase compliance costs. Beyond regulation, investment in infrastructure and workforce development is essential. Without these, the U.S. risks losing its edge and falling behind in global competition.
Priorities for AI Development, Implementation, and Protection
To lead AI over the long term, the U.S. must align innovation with democratic values such as autonomy, privacy, transparency, and fairness. This means not just creating AI products and services but also investing in sustainable resources and infrastructure. Policies must uphold ethical standards to govern AI effectively, ensuring technology benefits society responsibly.
Practical Policy Recommendations
- Create a comprehensive federal data privacy law that applies across technologies, reducing uncertainty for companies and protecting citizen rights.
- Review the Foreign Agents Registration Act to safeguard domestic AI innovation against interference from foreign adversaries.
- Reform the student visa program to encourage skilled graduates to work and remain in the U.S., building a stronger talent pipeline.
- Invest in AI training programs at universities and technical schools to prepare current students and retrain workers displaced by automation.
- Adjust tariffs and continue semiconductor subsidies through initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act to promote reshoring of chip manufacturing.
- Allocate more resources to the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support safe AI development.
- Engage in international collaboration and governance to maintain the U.S.’s geopolitical influence and address global AI challenges.
These steps form a foundation for sustainable AI leadership that balances innovation and ethical governance. Strengthening infrastructure and workforce capabilities will enable the U.S. to compete effectively on the world stage.
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