Perspectives from SC23

By most objective measures, the United States is the leader in AI capability, both in its AI technology and its application. Whether looking at R&D spending, research capability, ecosystem support, or commercial deployment, the US is at the top or near the top of its global competition. That strength is derived largely from successes in the US private sector. In particular, computer companies in Silicon Valley and elsewhere have been at the forefront in developing new AI hardware and software technologies. A receptive user environment in areas such as web services, financial services, healthcare, and scientific research, among others, has created a virtuous dynamic between supply and demand for AI technologies and products. As a result, the depth and breadth of AI capability in the US is such that the country is well positioned to maintain its lead position in the near-term.

China has emerged as the strongest regional contender to overtake the US in AI capability. The government has devised a strategy to attain global AI leadership by 2030, leveraging the country’s growing technological prowess, its enormous domestic market, and its position as the world’s second largest economy.