Published
September 28, 2023
On September 20th, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce convened leading voices in artificial intelligence from all levels of government and the private sector for the first Global AI Forum.
The consensus was clear—to unlock the benefits of this transformative technology, the business community and government need to collaborate and establish trust.
For this reason, Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President of the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), announced the launch of the Responsible AI Business Leadership Initiative. This new advocacy campaign aims to educate the public about AI's benefits, advocate for risk-based federal policies, bolster American leadership, and push back against a patchwork of state regulations.
Leading by Example: The Private Sector's Approach to Responsible AI Practices
Fifteen companies have committed to managing AI risks. Two of the representatives discussed the need for responsible AI systems and their benefits.
- Big Blue is Big on Trust: “To reap the benefits of AI, like mRNA vaccine development, it's necessary to establish trust in the technology," noted Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy Officer at IBM and a U.S. Chamber AI Commissioner.
- Expanding Opportunity: With this technology, “small businesses will be able to punch above their weight," said David Weller, Senior Director for Opportunity and Society at Google, referencing the benefits AI offers, such as automatic translation. A recent C_TEC report underscored that nearly a quarter of small businesses actively employ AI, with these businesses often indicating a higher chance of profitability.
Anne Neuberger on Mitigating AI Risk
Administration Engagements and Insights
At the National Press Club, an overflow audience gained insights into the Biden Administration's initiatives to create both voluntary and regulatory AI frameworks.
Anne Neuberger, the Deputy National Security Advisor, praised the U.S. Chamber AI Commission's “really important efforts,” while also revealing that the White House plans to unveil a 'comprehensive' Executive Order (EO) on AI this upcoming fall, which will serve as a “bridge to regulation.”
In an interview with Former Congressman and AI Commission Co-Chair John Delaney, Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, highlighted that, in drafting the Executive Order, the President aims to "use all the authorities he has…to meet the moment of AI."
Prabhakar also acknowledged the industry's proactive stance on finding solutions, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and commending private sector companies for their dedication to crafting trustworthy AI.
That sentiment was mirrored by National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Associate Director, Charles Romine, who discussed the agency's efforts regarding voluntary AI approaches, specifically highlighting NIST's initiative to implement the Risk Management Framework.
Sen. Young on Congress' Role in Shaping AI
Advancing the AI Policy Dialogue: Congress Weighs In
The forum also featured contributions from Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). Sen. Young recently joined a bipartisan AI Working Group with Senators Schumer (D-NY), Heinrich (D-NM), and Rounds (R-SD), noting that Congress is keen to learn how best to guide responsible AI development. To answer this call, the U.S. Chamber transmitted a letter to Congress outlining the business community’s priorities and recommendations for AI.
The United States needs "to maintain its edge over rivals because of the uncertainty that [could] arise," expressed Senator Hickenlooper, who has also sent inquiries to the industry on AI. Meanwhile, when questioned about AI rule enforcement, Senator Young mentioned his preference against establishing a sole AI regulator.
Both Senators recognize the importance of the benefits of the technology and the need to maintain America's competitive edge.
The World is Watching—and Acting—on AI
To provide a global perspective on AI, we welcomed Akihisa Shiozaki, a member of Japan's House of Representatives, and Dragos Tudorache, a member of the European Parliament to the stage.
Japan embraced AI when other nations considered bans and pauses, Shiozaki observed. He added that Japan emphasizes private/public sector collaboration more than the European Union's regulatory approach.
"The proposed 'risk-based' proposal should get final votes by December after negotiations with the European Parliament, Council, and Commission," noted Tudorache, the EU-AI Act Committee co-rapporteur.
AI could boost the global economy by $13 trillion by 2030, and while it offers benefits like enhancing cybersecurity and advancing medical research, challenges like deepfakes threaten public trust. Collaborative efforts between businesses and governments are crucial. That's why the Chamber has provided Congress with nine strategies for dependable AI, and through our Responsible AI Business Leadership Initiative, we're championing its benefits and pushing for accountable policies.
About the authors
Jordan Crenshaw
Crenshaw is Senior Vice President of the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC).
