The "father" of ChatGPT is calling on the US to cooperate with allies to compete with China in the artificial intelligence race.
OpenAI, the "father" of ChatGPT, is calling on the US and its allies to cooperate closely to build the critical infrastructure for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, creating a strong foundation to compete with China in the technology race.
On November 13th, the artificial intelligence startup OpenAI proposed that the United States and its neighbors should jointly establish a "North American AI Pact." According to OpenAI, this pact would facilitate access to crucial resources such as talent, finance, and supply chains, thereby promoting the development and construction of advanced AI technology.
The company emphasized that such a closely integrated collaborative system would not only help North American nations strengthen their position in the AI field but could also expand to form a "global network" of US allies and strategic partners. OpenAI suggests that this network could include countries in other key regions such as the Middle East, creating a broad alliance capable of driving global AI development and competing more effectively on the international stage.
This proposal is part of OpenAI's new policy blueprint, unveiled at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. This marks the first time OpenAI has publicly presented in detail its proposals for how the U.S. can strengthen its leadership in AI, a field that requires significant investment and a substantial energy infrastructure.
OpenAI's new proposal not only emphasizes specific measures for the U.S. to maintain its competitiveness against global rivals but also addresses international cooperation to create a sustainable and secure AI ecosystem. OpenAI also points out that with the increasing energy demands of AI technology, collaboration and investment in energy resources will play a core role in the U.S.'s long-term AI development strategy.
OpenAI argues that the U.S. should support costly energy infrastructure projects by committing to purchasing electricity from these sources, thereby facilitating the growth of energy initiatives. The company also recommends that the U.S. government establish a special "AI Economic Zone" to expedite licensing and support the reactivation of decommissioned nuclear reactors.
In addition, OpenAI also proposes expanding the US nuclear power capacity by leveraging technologies already developed by the US Navy, including compact nuclear reactors used to power submarines, which could then be applied to industrial infrastructure supporting AI development.
According to OpenAI, AI technology offers invaluable opportunities to drive industrialization and create a widespread wave of economic growth, helping to revive and boost America's development. At the same time, AI plays a crucial role in national security strategy, protecting not only the US but also its allies from the rise of China, through the development of AI systems that align with democratic values, respect individual freedoms, and deliver maximum benefits to all.
OpenAI's leadership has previously worked to raise billions of dollars from investors in the Middle East and other international markets to expand critical supply sources such as chips, power, and data centers necessary for AI technology development. CEO Sam Altman has also met with US government officials to persuade them to participate in and support this expansion plan.
The latest proposal comes as the US government prepares for a change in administration. President-elect Donald Trump has acknowledged the need to expand US energy capacity to maintain competitiveness in the AI field. He has also proposed easing licensing requirements and encouraging the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power as key solutions to meet growing energy demands.
At the policy announcement event on November 13th, Chris Lehane, Vice President for Global Affairs at OpenAI, stated that the startup had spent "a lot of time" discussing the urgent need for AI-supporting infrastructure with both the current Biden administration and the team of President-elect Donald Trump.
Mr. Lehane emphasized that these discussions revolved not only around financial or technical issues but also involved collaborative strategies to advance AI development and ensure the U.S. maintains its leading position in this field.
Mr. Lehane shared: "I believe this will be one of the issues that the U.S. Congress and the new administration will prioritize addressing, because the risks involved are too great."