Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Technology Policy and Science Advisor to President Joe Biden, hosted an event in Washington DC called “AI Aspirations: R&D for Public Missions.” The event featured speakers from various executive branch officials, agency leaders, and lawmakers, discussing the potential applications of AI in solving a range of problems.
During the event, Dr. Prabhakar emphasized the importance of managing AI’s risks to seize its benefits. She highlighted the need to explore the possibilities of AI in a responsible manner to achieve significant advancements for the country. Speakers at the event discussed the potential of AI in areas such as healthcare, weather forecasting, clean energy, and improving government services.
Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Mark Warner also spoke at the event, addressing the importance of AI governance, national security implications, and the need for proactive measures to ensure thoughtful AI governance. Representative Don Beyer outlined his aspirations for AI, emphasizing its potential to address significant challenges and improve lives.
In an interview prior to the event, Dr. Prabhakar discussed the importance of values in guiding AI development and usage. She emphasized the need to prioritize safety, individual privacy, freedom from discrimination, and transparency in AI applications. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of addressing the impact of AI on the workforce and ensuring that AI development aligns with societal values.
Overall, the event highlighted the significant opportunities and challenges associated with AI and underscored the importance of responsible AI development and governance to ensure positive outcomes for society.