How Governments Can Boost AI Entrepreneurship

Artificial intelligence has become an integral tool in our daily lives, fundamentally changing the way we communicate and work with each other.

In recent years, the federal government has sought to promote the development and adoption of AI technologies through a number of significant initiatives, including the National AI Initiative Act., The AI ​​in Government Act and the National AI Advisory Committee, which advises the President on US competitiveness issues and enhancing AI opportunities across the country. While these efforts underscore the government’s commitment to AI research and innovation, federal leaders should pay special attention to policies and programs that support entrepreneurs. Startups and small businesses are developing and deploying new AI-enabled solutions, accelerating the implementation of AI tools across the public and private sectors.

Promoting AI innovation

Entrepreneurs and SMEs have long served as the main drivers of innovation in emerging technologies. In fact, small businesses regularly issue more patents per employee than large companies, and these patents are typically associated with higher technological impact and growth.

Enhancing AI innovation and adoption in the United States and maintaining the United States’ leadership position in this technology will not only create meaningful opportunities for AI entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also reduce costs such as the high cost of computing. We can help through a policy-making environment that removes thorny barriers. Lack of resources, high quality data, lack of AI talent. These challenges affect businesses of all sizes, but are often felt more acutely by entrepreneurs and small businesses.

inspiring entrepreneurship

Government agencies can lower these barriers and support AI entrepreneurs and SMEs by leveraging their roles as technology buyers, regulators, and infrastructure providers. Four examples show how government can activate these roles.

1) Expanding access to low-cost computing infrastructure: Startups often face challenges in acquiring critical resources such as cloud computing systems. Governments can remove this barrier by encouraging large tech companies to increase access to critical products and services.

2) Convening cross-sectoral consortia to overcome data barriers: Joint initiatives such as the EU partnership on AI, data and robotics will encourage industry investments to address low-quality data barriers. It stimulates, fosters academic cooperation and helps mobilize public-private partnerships. The key role of US interagency agencies in promoting and coordinating COVID-19 vaccine development provides another template for stimulating and networking rapid technological advances. The federal government could take a similar approach by establishing cross-departmental agencies that facilitate collaboration and information sharing across the United States.

3) Developing open market work visas for AI talent: The government will help expand America’s AI talent pool by aligning employer sponsorship requirements for foreign AI professionals, allowing emerging technology companies to Human resources can be made more readily available.

4) Support certification program contracts: Federal agencies can work with emerging technology companies throughout the AI ​​development process to ensure these new technologies meet stringent FedRAMP standards. This kind of constructive collaboration improves efficiency and resource allocation and helps prevent entrepreneurs from being locked out of government contracts due to lengthy and costly certification processes.

Paving the Way for Future AI Advancements

AI is poised to continue to have dramatic impacts and advancements in the public and private sectors. The future of AI may be shaped in part by the myriad of entrepreneurs and small businesses that foster innovation, and the ability of governments to nurture and support these innovators.

By applying the right tools, rules, and resources, the federal government can foster an environment in which AI-driven small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive. It’s time for governments to help foster the next generation of cutting-edge AI technology and innovation.

Tasha Austin is a Principal at Deloitte & Touche LLP. She helped lead Deloitte’s artificial intelligence and data analytics practice for government, Deloitte AI Institute for Government.