In an era marked by rapid advancements and significant market growth in artificial intelligence (AI), global leaders from both government and industry sectors are increasingly advocating for a unified international framework to govern AI development and application. This movement is catalyzed by the recognition of AI's escalating influence across industries and its potential economic impact.
According to Grand View Research, the global AI market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. Correspondingly, the World Economic Forum forecasts that AI technologies will generate 133 million new jobs by the end of this decade, indicating a substantial shift in the global workforce and economy.
In response to these developments, Google has introduced an 'AI opportunity agenda,' targeting global business and governmental leaders with a series of policy recommendations. These recommendations aim to align international common interests across scientific, economic, health, and societal domains. "[T]o fully harness AI’s transformative potential for the economy, for health, for the climate, and for human flourishing, we need a broader discussion about steps that governments, companies, and civil society can take to realize AI’s promise," the report suggests.
The agenda delineates three primary areas for action: enhancing AI infrastructure and innovation, building an AI-skilled workforce, and broadening AI accessibility and adoption. This initiative aligns with other recent international efforts in AI governance, such as the G7's code of conduct and the guidelines set forth by the UN AI Advisory Body.
In the U.S., President Joe Biden's recent Executive Order highlights his country's commitment to leading in AI development while mitigating associated risks. The order establishes safety and security standards in AI development, underpinning consumer privacy and innovation.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, stressed the importance of government regulation in AI, advocating for a balanced approach that safeguards public interests while enabling access to AI benefits. "[R]egulation of AI is essential," Altman noted. “It will be important for policymakers to consider how to implement licensing regulations on a global scale and ensure international cooperation on AI safety.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, called for a balanced approach to AI regulation. He warned against the pitfalls of a fragmented regulatory environment, underscoring the necessity for internationally coherent policies.
In announcing Google’s AI opportunity agenda, Walker stated that efforts in AI “will need to include both guardrails to mitigate potential risks and initiatives to maximize progress” in order to realize its true potential for productivity and “solving big social challenges.”