Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most powerful technologies of our time.  In order to seize the opportunities that AI presents, the Nation must first work to manage its risks. The federal government plays a critical role in this effort, including through smart investments in research and development (R&D) that promote responsible innovation and advance solutions to the challenges that other sectors will not address on their own.

This includes R&D to leverage AI to tackle large societal challenges and develop new approaches to mitigate AI risks. The federal government must place people and communities at the center by investing in responsible R&D that serves the public good, protects people’s rights and safety, and advances democratic values. This update to the National AI R&D Strategic Plan is a roadmap for driving progress toward that goal.

This plan defines the major research challenges in AI to coordinate and focus federal R&D investments. It will ensure continued U.S. leadership in the development and use of trustworthy AI systems, prepare the current and future U.S. workforce for the integration of AI systems across all sectors, and coordinate ongoing AI activities across all federal agencies. This plan, which follows national AI R&D strategic plans issued in 2016 and 2019, reaffirms eight strategies and adds a ninth to underscore a principled and coordinated approach to international collaboration in AI research.