AI at the Crossroads: The Biden-Harris Administration's Blueprint for Responsible Innovation in the Service of Human Potential

In a recent statement, Dr. Arati Prabhakar , Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), emphasizes the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to innovation. "This is a president who knows America is ‘the land of possibilities,’ and I could not be prouder of how he has strengthened our nation’s science, technology, and innovation," Prabhakar remarks. She highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership in "managing the risks of AI and seizing its benefits" and "building the strongest federal R&D enterprise in history."?

Principles Guiding the Biden-Harris OSTP

Prabhakar presents a vision for using science, technology, and innovation to address the United States' most pressing challenges and achieve its potential. She cites two guiding principles of the Biden-Harris administration: “America can be defined in a single word: possibilities,” and the need to “prove that democracy works in the 21st century.”?

Prabhakar highlights Biden-Harris legislative achievements like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act. “Each of these big laws pushes the fruits of earlier science and technology out into the world—deploys them, scales them, makes sure they reach all Americans,” she says.?

“Science and technology open doors so we can step beyond the limitations of today into a different tomorrow, into a better tomorrow,” she says, emphasizing innovation's power to expand possibilities and drive progress.

Prabhakar calls for a "what does it take" mindset, shifting from incremental advances to goal-oriented strategies. This approach identifies specific actions needed for breakthroughs, such as efforts to bring U.S. semiconductor manufacturing back. “What does it take” thinking, she explains, involves targeting leverage points with a clear understanding of the broader ecosystem for success.

“The purpose that drives us is to create a better future for all Americans,” Prabhakar states, “and that means dealing head-on with the entrenched inequities that exist in our country today.”

Prabhakar expresses confidence in America's ability to tackle these challenges, pointing to the nation's strong research, effective private and social sectors, and core values. “If we do this right,” she states, “together we can make it possible to succeed at the great experiment...that We the People can form a more perfect union.”?

Budgets Reflect Values: The Responsible AI Imperative

OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar and OMB Director Shalanda Young outline the multi-agency research and development (R&D) priorities for the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.?

Recognizing AI as one of the most powerful technologies of our time, they stress the need to develop AI systems that protect civil rights, privacy, and security while harnessing AI to improve government functions and public services. The goal is to mitigate the risks associated with AI, such as threats to democracy, and simultaneously leverage AI to accelerate national progress.

The Administration’s R&D priorities also highlight the importance of fostering economic competitiveness and reducing barriers and inequities. It stresses the need to invest in regional innovation and workforce development, particularly in historically underserved communities and emerging research institutions.

They urge agencies to collaborate closely, coordinate resources, and avoid duplication to maximize the impact of these R&D investments. Agencies engaged in complementary activities are expected to consult with one another during the budget formulation process, ensuring that efforts are aligned and resources are used efficiently. This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen the federal R&D ecosystem and enhance its ability to tackle complex national challenges.

The Biden-Harris emphasis on innovation, equity, and collaboration reflects a comprehensive strategy to advance the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities while promoting democratic values and ensuring that all Americans benefit from these advancements.

The Biden-Harris administration’s budgets highlight that America's aspirations are monumental. "We need plentiful opportunity for every person in America. We need a competitive economy that creates jobs that support families," Prabhakar says. She argue that American R&D is essential for achieving these goals, describing it as the engine that opens doors to a better future. "The purpose of American R&D is to make them possible—to open doors so we can step beyond the limitations of today into a better tomorrow," she emphasizes.

The administration directs significant funding toward emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing—fields poised to create the industries of the future.

Prabhakar highlights strategic shifts in the R&D portfolio, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) 's new Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), which is designed to spur regional innovation and accelerate the commercialization of university research. This represents a fresh approach to bridging the gap between academic research and market application.?

Managing AI’s Risks to Seize its Benefits

AI has the potential for great benefit and significant risk. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that effective risk management harnesses AI’s advantages while preventing misuse. As AI continues to advance and expand its reach, balancing innovation with safeguards becomes critical to ensuring that AI serves democratic values rather than authoritarian interests.

Countries worldwide are racing to shape AI in ways that reflect their own ideals, and American leadership is vital in promoting a vision rooted in fairness, equity, and transparency. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to guiding AI development domestically and globally, ensuring that technological progress aligns with ethical standards. To fully capitalize on AI’s potential, addressing its risks with strategic, informed policies that protect public interests is essential.

Ambitious Executive Action

The President and Vice President have mobilized all government departments and agencies to act swiftly on AI, and the Biden-Harris Administration has responded urgently. They focus on two core objectives: mitigating the diverse risks AI poses and leveraging its capabilities responsibly across public sectors.

To achieve this, the administration has launched several initiatives to promote responsible AI innovation that benefits the public while addressing societal, security, and economic risks. These efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to managing AI's wide-ranging applications and challenges.?

This includes:?

Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights

The Biden-Harris Administration's "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights " underscores core values like safety, privacy, non-discrimination, and transparency. As AI technology advances, these principles serve as essential guides to navigate its complexities. Responsible AI development and use demand robust evaluation tools and strict adherence to these fundamental rights.

The NIST AI Risk Management Framework

The AI Executive Order directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop tools and methods for testing and validating AI systems to ensure their safety, trustworthiness, and effectiveness. The AI Risk Management Framework offers practical guidance for managing AI risks, focusing on safety, security, fairness, and privacy while considering the social impacts of AI. NIST’s people-centered approach integrates insights from diverse communities to address AI's intersection with culture, law, and society. As AI reshapes our world, prompt and comprehensive action is required to harness its benefits and mitigate its risks.

Secretary Gina Raimondo , Undersecretary and NIST Director Laurie Locascio , Dr. Alondra Nelson , Mark Latonero, and Elham Tabassi worked hard to develop the AI Risk Management Framework.?

AI Executive Order

The Biden-Harris Administration issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure AI's safe, secure, and ethical development in the United States. This order sets new standards for AI safety, privacy, and equity, promoting innovation while safeguarding civil rights and maintaining global competitiveness. It requires AI developers to share safety test results with the government, mandates rigorous testing for models that could impact national security, and introduces new standards and protocols for AI safety across federal agencies.

The order supports privacy by promoting privacy-enhancing technologies and provides guidelines to prevent AI-driven discrimination through enhanced training and coordination. It also aims to protect consumers, maximize AI’s educational benefits, and support workers by establishing guidelines to prevent job displacement and ensure fair labor practices. Internationally, the Administration collaborates with global partners to develop frameworks for AI governance and manage AI risks while also modernizing federal AI infrastructure and improving government AI capabilities.

AI Talent Surge and Call to Service

The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a National AI Talent Surge to attract top AI governance and innovation experts. This initiative seeks to enhance government capabilities, safeguard rights and privacy, and drive forward AI research to uphold U.S. leadership in the field. AI professionals are invited to contribute to building a future where AI is developed responsibly, equitably, and for the benefit of all.

AI Frontier Research?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the first 35 grants for NAIRR computing time through a pilot program with the Department of Energy (DOE) and NSF. These grants support researchers using advanced computing methods to explore responsible AI practices and drive innovation across multiple disciplines. The new PCAST report, “Supercharging Research: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Meet Global Challenges ,” highlights AI's potential to address critical problems and its impact on scientific research in areas like healthcare and materials science, tackling significant societal and global challenges.

Protecting Civil Liberties and Workers' Rights

The draft OMB policy mandates that federal agencies evaluate privacy, equity, and fairness when using AI to mitigate risks to civil liberties. For instance, if an agency deploys AI to determine eligibility for educational benefits, it must first address potential algorithmic bias and establish a process for appeals. This approach ensures AI is used responsibly and fairly in public services.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Task Force?

The recent National AI R&D Strategic Plan and the NAIRR Task Force's report, Strengthening and Democratizing the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Innovation Ecosystem, establish a foundation for a nationwide AI research infrastructure. These efforts focus on equitable access to AI tools and resources to foster innovation and ensure responsible development, solidifying U.S. leadership in AI.

“AI advances hold tremendous promise for tackling our hardest problems and achieving our greatest aspirations,” said Arati Prabhakar, OSTP Director and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.

“Democratizing access to the cyberinfrastructure that fuels AI research and development will enable all of America’s diverse AI researchers to participate in exploring innovative ideas for advancing AI, including communities, institutions, and regions that have been traditionally underserved,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan .

Office of Education Technology Leadership

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology has released a new report, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations , on AI in education. The report highlights its potential benefits and associated risks and explores how AI can enhance teaching and learning while emphasizing the need for safety, trust, and safeguards against algorithmic bias. Thanks to the hard work of Roberto Rodriguez, Anil H. , Cindy Marten , Jeremy Roschelle ,

Guidance on AI System Procurement and Use

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will release draft policy guidance to ensure the U.S. government's use of AI prioritizes safety and rights while responsibly advancing its missions. This guidance will set an example for other governments and organizations by focusing on equitable AI procurement, development, and use.

Voluntary Commitments from Leading AI Companies

President Biden and Vice President Harris met with leading AI companies, urging them to prioritize safety, security, and trustworthiness. As a result, 15 companies have made voluntary commitments to these principles. In a recent meeting, the Vice President and senior officials stressed the need for transparency, verification, and security in AI systems. The Administration continues to engage with diverse stakeholders to promote responsible AI innovation and safeguard public interests.

Participants included: Vice President Kamala Harris; Gina Raimondo , Secretary of Commerce; Jeff Zients , Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff; Bruce Reed , Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff; Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor; Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; Susan Rice , Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy; Lael Brainard , Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council; Stuart Delery , Assistant to the President and White House Counsel; Sam Altman OpenAI, CEO of OpenAI; Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic; Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet.

Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Dr. Arati Prabhakar leads science and technology policy for the Biden-Harris administration. Her historic bipartisan confirmation reflects her exceptional leadership, innovation, and policy-making track record. Dr. Prabhakar is a trailblazer. Prabhakar's was the first woman to lead the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Her leadership showcased her ability to bridge sectors and disciplines, driving significant advancements in technology and science. Prabhakar has been at the forefront of shaping artificial intelligence, advising President Biden on executive orders that position the U.S. as a global leader in ethical AI governance. Dr. Prabhakar's career exemplifies integrating science, technology, and policy to address pressing global challenges.?

Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation

Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan serves as the 15th Director of the National Science Foundation, where he oversees a $9.06 billion budget dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and innovation. His tenure at NSF is marked by a strategic vision emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in STEM education and research. Panchanathan’s leadership extends beyond NSF through his roles as co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and his participation in the White House CHIPS Implementation Steering Council. His previous experience as Executive Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Arizona State University laid the foundation for his pioneering work in human-centered multimedia computing. As the founder of the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing, Panchanathan has made significant contributions to the fields of haptic interfaces and ubiquitous computing technologies. With nearly 500 peer-reviewed publications and the mentorship of over 150 students and researchers, his influence on the next generation of STEM professionals is profound.

Asad Ramzanali, Chief of Staff of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy?

Asad Ramzanali , the Chief of Staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), brings a rich blend of experience from both public policy and the private sector. Before stepping into his role as Chief of Staff, Ramzanali served as the Director of Legislative Affairs at OSTP. During his prior tenure on Capitol Hill, where he worked closely with lawmakers to shape technology policies. He served as Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo, a senior House Committee on Energy and Commerce member, and worked for U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. With his diverse skill set and commitment to public service, Ramzanali is crucial in advancing OSTP’s mission to drive innovation and ensure science and technology policy supports the administration’s goals.

Conclusion

The Biden-Harris Administration's approach to AI reflects its ambitious vision of seizing the vast possibilities of this transformative technology while proving that democracy can effectively navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Through actions focused on safety, equity, and collaboration, the administration not only tackles the immense challenges posed by AI but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical innovation and public good. By advancing these principles, the administration strives to unlock AI's potential to drive progress and ensure that America's leadership in technology upholds the values of a thriving democracy.

Learn more about the efforts on AI over at AI.gov .

Notes:

Tagging colleagues who recognize Sethuraman Panchanathan 's contributions in this domain: Carole Basile , Nancy Gonzales , Katrina Stevens , Alejandro Lozano, MBA , Dr. Adrian Mims Sr. , Maria Flynn , Lori Takeuchi , Anna Quider, Ph.D. , Sean Hobson , Carlos Contreras , Matthew Cohen , Balu Rajagopal , Scott Heimlich , Sasha Barab , Michael Crow , Kevin Pawsey , Rajesh Sivaprakasam , Dr. Khaled El-Maleh , Jeff Remington , Paul R. Sanberg , Sherrie Rollins Westin , Michael H. Levine , Dhiraj Joshi , Kathleen Gibson , Lonnika Barbee ,

Tagging colleagues who admire and appreciate Arati Prabhakar 's contributions: Katrina Stevens , Stuart Buck , Nancy Conrad , Leo Bialis-White , Justina Gallegos , Theodore Quinn , Jim Stigler , Arun Ramanathan , Maria Flynn , Betsy (Elizabeth) Corcoran , Sara Schapiro , Ami Fields-Meyer , Lewis Leiboh , Sara Allan , Stacey Childress , Byron Auguste , Joshua Elliott , Sarojani Mohammed, Ph.D. , Ajoy Vase , Jonathan Lachman , John Bailey , Kumar Garg , Russell Shilling, Ph.D. , Michael H. Levine , Ed Dieterle , Melissa Moore , Piyush Tantia , Aubrey Francisco , Vilas Dhar , Tom Kalil , Ross Jensen , Marc Brown , Katy Knight , John Irons ,

Tagging colleagues who appreciate Asad Ramzanali 's leadership: Erwin Gianchandani , James L. Moore III , Nafeesa Owens , Jin-Soo Huh , Christopher Burk , Rosa Mendoza , Deeksha Srinath , Arun Gupta , Brian L. Shields , Harlan Yu , Christine Capota , Jon Cardinal , Kevin Johnstun , Anil H. , Ross Baird , Shaheen H.

Recognizing the team who worked so hard on the National AI R&D Strategic Plan: Kei Koizumi , Laurie Locascio , Tess deBlanc-Knowles , Elham Tabassi , Leela D'Souza , Margaret Martonosi , Kamie Roberts , Nekeia Butler , Steven Lee , Michael Littman , Craig Schlenoff , Leela D'Souza , Gil Alterovitz, PhD, FACMI, FAMIA , Allison Dennis , Robert (Bob) Hickernell , Jonnie Bradley , Zhiyong Lu, PhD FACMI , Jillian Mammino , Craig Schlenoff , Adria Schwarber, Ph.D. , Ram D. Sriram , Mary Theofanos , Steven Thomson , James Warren ,

Recognizing the team from Strengthening and Democratizing the U.S. AI Innovation Ecosystem: Tess deBlanc-Knowles , Manish Parashar , Lynne Parker , Daniela Braga, PhD , Oren Etzioni , Julia Lane , Fei-Fei Li , Andrew Moore , Mike Norman , Dan Stanzione , Fred Streitz ,

Recognizing folks who worked on the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights:

Rashida Richardson , Karen Kornbluh , Devin Willis , Tamika L. Butler, Esq. , Jennifer Clark , Carl Holshouser , Suresh Venkatasubramanian , Ben Winters , Chiraag Bains , Sean Malinowski, Ph.D. , Stanley Andrisse, MBA, PhD , Dominique Harrison , Jenny Yang , Christo Wilson , Frida Polli, PhD , Elana Zeide , Fabian Rogers , Sorelle Friedler , J. Bob Alotta , Navrina Singh , Liz O'Sullivan , Timnit Gebru , Jenn Wortman Vaughan , Pamela Wisniewski , Seny Kamara , Anne-Marie Slaughter , Michele Evermore , Blake Hall , Karrie Karahalios , Christiaan van Veen , Julia Simon-Mishel , Zach Mahafza , J. Khadijah A. , Micky Tripathi , Jamila Michener ,

Recognizing organizations who contributed to the AI Bill of Rights: Atwood Center , The Cantellus Group , Center for Democracy & Technology , Color Of Change , Coworker , DataRobot , Data & Trust Alliance , Google DeepMind , Electronic Privacy Information Center , Encode Justice , EqualAI , Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , United for Respect , UNFINISHED , Upturn , Technology Engagement Center , AI Working Group , Warehouse Worker Resource Center

Tagging colleagues who appreciate the leadership of the Biden-Harris OSTP / NIST / NSF leadership on AI: Jan Morrison , Doug Jaffe , Madeleine Niebauer , Chris Lawrence , Susan Rundell Singer , Jean-Paul Chretien , Andres Henriquez , Ramayya Krishnan , Ji Soo Song , Daniel Jarratt , Jeff Remington , Dr. Talitha Washington, Laurie Wolfe , Sandra Husk , Gina Burkhardt , Lola Brown, PhD , Lindsay Freeman , Elena Silva , Jennie Niles , Jim Hollis , Mary Schmidt Campbell , Miriam Raccah , Andie Corso, PCC , Melissa Harris , Angela Minnici , Dr. Deborah Olusa , Raymond Hart , Tessa Kratz , Rachel Pfeifer , Janelle Bradshaw , Alex Hernandez , Preston Green , Nicole Foster , Margarita Florez Vasconcelos , Monika Williams Shealey , Leslie Sorel , Chris Dede , Dr. Erin Bogan , Paul Byrne , Kristen Brown , Dakarai I. Aarons , Dr. Ronald Taylor , Matt Haldeman , Jason Epting , Katie Everett , Luis Torres , Laura Slover , Annie Ferrell , Fernando Snowden-Lorence , Rashid Ferrod Davis , Na'ilah Nasir , Kadriye Ercikan , Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, Ed. D , Alvin Crawford , Emile Session , LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D. , Keith Holmes , Ralph Johnson , Christina Braganza , Prudence Carter , Margie Yeager , Anand Marri , Christine O'Brien , Kristin Levine , Harvey V. Chism Jr , Chimene Okere , Charissa Fernández , Lee Morgan, Ph.D. , Edwin C. Darden , Liz Willen , Kristen Huff , Robert Berry , Rebecca Stone-Danahy , Kendrick Brown , Derrick R. Brooms , Robin Lake , Jenny Rickard , Laura Hamilton , Sito Narcisse , Joel Vargas , Dena Simmons , Denise Forte , John King , Scott Frauenheim , Akisha Osei Sarfo, Ph.D. , Tanji Reed Marshall, PhD , Erik Hines , Ellen Moir , Jeremy Anderson , Shawn Dove , Juliana Worrell , Lisa Thomas, Ed.D , Travis J. Bristol, Ph.D. , Karen J. Pittman , Roblin Webb , Irvin Scott , Stephanie Rowley , Bob Wise , Tabitha Grossman-Nelson, Ph.D. , Gabriela Lopez , Michelle A. Purdy , Carole Reiss , Carlos Lejnieks , Anne-Marie Nú?ez , Jonathan Steinberg , Pete Bavis, Ph.D. , Warren Simmons , Steven Schneider , Margaret Beale SPENCER , Robert Floden , Thomas C. Murray , Tirza Wilbon, Ph.D. , Michelle Lerner , Kim Smith , Dereje Agonafer , Rodney Hopson , Shaun Harper , Devin Vodicka , Bill Hite , Noe Ortega , Jamie Merisotis , Pedro A. Noguera , Kaya Henderson , Byron Auguste , Dr. Zoe Stemm-Calderon , Michelle Culver , Dr. Lynn M Gangone, CAE , Bill Kurtz , William Tate , Dewayne J. McClary , Jeff Wetzler , Jemina Bernard , Sharif El-Mekki , Earl Martin Phalen , Chris Maher , Jenny Nagaoka , Jessie Woolley-Wilson , Janice Jackson, EdD , Tony Allen , Neil Gupta , Dale Allender, Ph.D. , Amanda Bryans , John W. Davis II, JD ,