Perspectives on advancing innovation and human flourishing through a network of AI institutes

Abstract This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential to launch a network of AI institutes within federal agencies for innovation and risk management. After providing background about changes in US economic activity and recent AI policy, we study the barriers to science and technology policy and focus on the challenge of coordination in an increasingly complex and interdependent world and how better coordination is required to manage against AI risks. We introduce the concept of a networked approach to intra-agency AI collaboration, drawing on our experience in the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Using the NAII as a case-study, we outline a decentralized approach that allows each agency to contribute and coordinate at a local level and in the areas of greatest strength offer substantial opportunity for driving innovation.