Shaping America's AI Future: IAPS Recommendations for the AI Action Plan
On January 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued Executive Order 14179, establishing America's commitment to "sustain and enhance America's global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security." This pivotal order requires the development of a comprehensive AI Action Plan to translate this ambitious vision into reality.
Through a public comment period, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) solicited wide-ranging input from across sectors to inform development of the Action Plan. The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) contributed targeted recommendations focused on the fundamental security, standards, and processes that will enable America to achieve the AI golden age. Our comments center on building trust in American AI systems, preventing adversaries from gaining technological advantages, and developing adaptive frameworks that can evolve alongside rapidly advancing AI capabilities.
Specifically, IAPS urged the Administration to include three critical areas:
Build trust in American AI: Establish AI systems that governments, businesses, and consumers can trust through enhanced security and reliability standards. Leverage federal capabilities to address critical market gaps and secure AI supply chains against malicious disruption.
Deny foreign adversaries access to advanced computing technology: Maintain America's technological advantage by controlling semiconductor exports to adversaries, forcing them to choose between research advancement and deployment. Coordinate across government agencies to ensure effective implementation of these controls.
Understand and respond to changing capabilities: The United States needs the ability and agility to respond rapidly as technology evolves. By developing the systems and standards now, the Administration creates optionality for responding in the future. Develop evaluation standards to assess emerging AI systems and their national security implications. Create coordinated visibility across government, industry, and research institutions to promote beneficial AI while addressing security concerns.
IAPS believes the stakes couldn't be higher with advanced AI technologies – these technologies are poised to eventually and fundamentally reshape our society, economy, national security, and geopolitical landscape. A well-crafted Action Plan must establish the foundation for a future where America not only leads in AI development but builds systems that citizens, businesses, and government partners can trust and adopt with confidence. By prioritizing security and reliability from the ground up, the Administration can drive economic prosperity, scientific breakthroughs, smooth workforce transitions, and strengthen national security while maintaining America's technological edge.
Please see our full comment and detailed recommendations below.
Contributors to these recommendations: Chris Covino, Jam Kraprayoon, Shaun Ee, Joe O’Brien, Amanda El-Dakhakhni, Erich Grunewald, Onni Aarne, Asher Brass, Peter Wildeford