Featured January 6, 2021 Three lessons governments learned using technology during COVID-19 Back to Blog White House launches artificial intelligence information portal Date May 10, 2021 Authors Tags Innovation and Technology Last week, the White House launched AI.gov, an information hub for the federal government’s artificial intelligence activities. The website collects the laws, regulations, plans and reports that guide federal AI work; news about AI’s use in the public and private sectors; and information on government’s AI committees and task forces. AI promises breakthroughs in all aspects of government’s work, from predicting future events to interacting with citizens to paperwork processing. The AI.gov website highlights this potential, as successive presidential administrations recognize AI’s growing importance in every aspect of our professional and personal lives. The White House launched the website after the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act became law earlier this year. That law aims to connect and coordinate federal agencies’ AI work to ensure the United States remains a world leader in researching, developing and using this groundbreaking technology. The federal government’s AI activities picked up steam in 2016 with the publication of the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan, which guided federal investments in AI technologies, and the report, “Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence,” which reviewed the state of AI and how federal agencies might take full advantage of its possibilities. AI.gov is just the latest step in government’s AI journey. In 2017, the Partnership for Public Service undertook its first research effort to analyze AI’s potential for making government more effective. Since then, we’ve published six publications on different aspects of AI in federal, state and local governments: “The Future Has Begun,” a report on the potential uses of AI in government, from automating tedious tasks to conquering the complexities of federal acquisitions to helping vulnerable populations.“More Than Meets AI,” a white paper on a future in which AI is a critical part of federal employees’ workdays.“More Than Meets AI Part II,” a white paper on overcoming AI challenges from bias and ethics to transparency and security.“Cracking the Code,” a report on how AI—along with immersive technologies and edge computing—is helping agencies achieve the mission.“Into the Storm,” a white paper on AI’s potential to help states most at risk for natural disasters prevent the loss of life and property.“Bit by Bit,” a white paper on how AI and other technologies helped government navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving the public. Artificial intelligence “has become one of the most impactful technologies of the twenty-first century,” wrote Lynne Parker, deputy federal chief technology officer, when AI.gov was launched. Through the National AI Initiative, with AI.gov as its public face, the federal government is taking concrete steps to ensure America’s lead in the AI field. And as government deepens its commitment through its AI plans and programs, the Partnership will continue to generate research reports with forward-thinking solutions for how public servants can take full advantage of AI technologies in their work.
