The US government has committed itself to playing a leading role in the global proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that launches the American AI Initiative under supervision of the National Science and Technology Council Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (NSTC Select Committee). The goal of the initiative is to prioritize AI research and development (R&D), regulation and education, among other things.

The executive order states that “[c]ontinued American leadership in AI is of paramount importance to maintaining the economic and national security of the United States and to shaping the global evolution of AI in a manner consistent with our nation’s values, policies, and priorities.” However, since the order signed by president Trump does not mention the funds to be allocated to the American AI Initiative, it is not yet clear how it will be implemented.

Read more: Trump signs executive order prioritising AI development