CA Leads GovAI Coalition, UN Passes Landmark AI Resolution, and US Makes AI Partnership with UK Official

Welcome to SV-AI (Silicon Valley - Accelerates Innovation), my newsletter focused on the responsible development and deployment of innovations strengthening California's global competitive edge. Please subscribe to receive upcoming editions. Here, I’ll share tech policy news and leadership insights that you need to know and how technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, are being used IRL. In this edition, I share news about the new coalition on AI led by San Jose technologists, the unanimous approval of the first UN resolution on AI, and the formal partnership between the US and the UK to test AI models. Plus, I share how AI is being used IRL by a California company to detect heart failure.?

AI 101?

This week, I’m highlighting an engaging video series on AI from Axios AI+ newsletter co-authors Ina Fried and Ryan Health, titled AI: The New Information Superhighway. The series explores the potential impact of AI on our society through five videos focused on: the benefits of AI, potential guardrails, AI-enabled research, balancing risk and reward, and the path forward.

It’s a punchy and informative series that’s worth checking out.? I recommend it in particular for younger students or those who may be in the early stages of their journey to understand AI.

Also, Wharton Professor Ethan Mollick recently joined the Coaching for Leaders podcast to discuss principles for using AI at work. SV-AI readers know that I’m a huge fan of Ethan’s work and though I’m admittedly biased, I think he’s one of the top minds out there zeroing in on the business impacts and opportunities of this exciting technology.

His advice on understanding how AI models actually work is powerful, and will afford you more opportunities to better target application of the technology to optimize your workflows.??

You should definitely check out Ethan’s interview and as an aside I’ll note that Coaching for Leaders with Dr. Dave Stachowiak is one of my favorite podcasts. (Episode 660. How to Prevent a Team from Repeating Mistakes with Robert Teschner is an all-timer!)? ?

San Jose Leads GovAI Coalition

San Jose technology officials are spearheading a new coalition of more than 500 local, county, and state leaders working to promote responsible AI. Members of the GovAI Coalition share replicable resources – including template policies, response plans, and vendor contracts – for free to help local and state governments as they navigate the new AI landscape.?

The group has already hosted one public forum to exchange ideas and discuss the role of local government in shaping the future of AI.?

San Jose Chief Information Officer Khaled Tawfik summed up the energy behind the effort well in an interview with Statescoop: “There’s no stopping what we can do. We’re just fortunate that we were at the right time and the right place with the passion to do something different.”

UN Unanimously Approves AI Resolution??

Last month, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a new resolution advancing safe, secure and trustworthy AI. The resolution, which was proposed by the United States and backed by 123 other countries, aims to develop AI systems for sustainable development and to ensure human rights are front and center as AI is deployed around the world.?

It also offers guidance on how to manage AI risks, including preventing bias and discrimination and protecting personal data.?

Although nonbinding, the first-of-its-kind resolution is a significant achievement on the global stage.?

US and UK Ink Partnership on AI Safety?

In DC, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan cemented a formal partnership on AI safety following commitments made last November. The signed memorandum of understanding commits the two countries to working together on advanced AI model testing, including at least one joint testing exercise on a publicly accessible model.?

I think it’s certainly a positive that the US and Britain will now be in a position to formally combine their technical and talent resources and share lessons learned. This is also yet another moment that demonstrates AI safety is not confined by geographical borders.?

I expect to see similar partnerships made with other countries as they stand up their own AI safety institutes in the months and years ahead.?

AI IRL?

California healthcare company Eko Health received FDA approval this week for a new AI model that can detect heart failure using a stethoscope. It’s an exciting time as AI is being used in groundbreaking ways to improve care for millions.

Eko Health Co-Founder and CEO Connor Landgraf noted, “the stethoscope, the most recognizable symbol of healthcare, touches the lives of an estimated 1 billion people around the globe every year.”?

For those interested, read more here.

Final Thoughts?

On Monday, we closed SVLG offices to honor the life, work, and legacy of César Chávez.?

Chávez was a tireless advocate and leader who significantly improved working conditions and wages for farmworkers. His legacy spreads beyond California as he worked to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in American society.?

So today, I leave you with a quote from this inspirational leader:?

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

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