How Important is Compute to the Future of AI

CSET Research Analyst Micah Musser and Institute for Progress Fellow Tim Hwang discuss CSET research that examines the factors contributing to future AI development.

CSET Report: https://cset.georgetown.edu/publicati...

Policymakers and the general public increasingly recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence. Governments, industry and others are considering the most effective ways to support U.S. AI leadership and limit progress by other countries, particularly competitors. The predominant narrative is that computational power (or “compute”) will serve as the key bottleneck on future progress in AI, and that it therefore provides a convenient lever for policymakers to influence.

On May 25, 2023, CSET Research Analyst Micah Musser overviews this body of CSET research and its implications for policymaking—including recent export controls on high-end computing technology and current proposals for a National AI Research Resource. This discussion was followed by an audience Q&A session moderated by Tim Hwang, Senior Technology Fellow at the Institute for Progress.