OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research organization, has released an "economic blueprint" for AI, outlining a comprehensive policy framework for the US government to support the development and deployment of AI technologies. The document, published on Monday, emphasizes the need for the US to take a proactive approach to AI development, citing the potential risks of falling behind other nations.

The blueprint, which includes a forward from Chris Lehane, OpenAI's VP of global affairs, asserts that the US must invest heavily in the chips, data, energy, and talent necessary to "win on AI." According to Lehane, the US government has a critical role to play in paving the way for the country's AI industry to continue its global leadership in innovation while protecting national security.

OpenAI has been vocal about the need for more substantive action from the US government on AI and infrastructure. The organization has criticized the current regulatory landscape, which has largely left AI regulation to individual states. This has resulted in a patchwork of conflicting laws and regulations, with over 700 AI-related bills introduced in 2024 alone. OpenAI argues that this approach is untenable and that a more coordinated federal approach is necessary.

The blueprint proposes a range of measures to support AI development, including dramatically increased federal spending on power and data transmission, as well as the buildout of new energy sources such as solar, wind farms, and nuclear power. OpenAI has previously expressed support for nuclear power projects, arguing that they are necessary to meet the electricity demands of next-generation server farms.

In the nearer term, the blueprint proposes that the government develop best practices for model deployment to protect against misuse, streamline the AI industry's engagement with national security agencies, and develop export controls that enable the sharing of models with allies while limiting their export to "adversary nations." The document also encourages the government to share certain national security-related information with vendors and help vendors secure resources to evaluate their models for risks.

OpenAI's blueprint also addresses copyright as it relates to AI, a hot-button topic. The organization argues that AI developers should be able to use publicly available information, including copyrighted content, to develop models. This has been a point of contention, with some creators suing OpenAI for allegedly training on their works without permission.

The publication of OpenAI's blueprint comes as the organization is increasingly vocal about its policy preferences. In the first half of last year, OpenAI more than tripled its lobbying expenditures, spending $800,000 versus $260,000 in all of 2023. The company has also brought former government leaders into its executive ranks, including ex-Defense Department official Sasha Baker, NSA chief Paul Nakasone, and Aaron Chatterji, formerly the chief economist at the Commerce Department under President Joe Biden.

It remains to be seen which parts of OpenAI's blueprint, if any, influence legislation. However, the proposals are a signal that OpenAI intends to remain a key player in the race for a unifying US AI policy. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, OpenAI's blueprint is likely to be a significant contribution to the ongoing policy debate.