Microsoft President Brad Smith advocates for the United States to have a comprehensive national strategy in place to ensure success in the global AI race. This strategy would focus on key areas such as R&D funding, education, workforce development, and preventing heavy-handed regulations that could slow down American tech companies. Smith believes that the next four years offer a key opportunity for America’s economic success and describes artificial intelligence as the “electricity of our age.”
Smith’s post also highlights the competitive threat posed by China in the field of artificial intelligence and emphasizes Microsoft’s role in advancing AI development. He confirms that Microsoft plans to spend $80 billion on datacenters to train and deploy AI in the current fiscal year. This significant investment underscores the company’s commitment to AI research and development. Smith notes that over half of this spending will occur in the United States.
Success in AI, according to Smith, will require collaboration among various stakeholders including the U.S. government, private sector, education sector, and non-profit organizations. He acknowledges China’s rapid progress in AI, attributing it to substantial government investments and a cohesive national strategy. China is positioning itself as a global leader in AI by leveraging its massive population, extensive data resources, and focus on technology innovation.
Smith draws parallels to China’s past investments in 5G wireless infrastructure and the subsequent security concerns that arose for the U.S. due to the spread of Huawei’s 5G products worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that American AI is adopted globally, citing the trustworthiness of American products compared to Chinese counterparts and the unmatched ability of the U.S. private sector to invest in infrastructure around the world. Smith believes that a balanced export control policy is essential to solidify diplomatic relations critical to global AI adoption.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echoes the importance of investing in new infrastructure and equipping individuals with the necessary skills in the AI era, beginning with the United States. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments, the U.S. can position itself as a leading force in the global AI landscape. Smith’s post serves as a call to action for policymakers, tech companies, educational institutions, and non-profits to work together to ensure America’s continued success in the field of artificial intelligence.
