Response of The MITRE Corporation to the National Science and Technology Council’s Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence R&D

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to play a significant role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technological capabilities will blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. This revolution is happening at a faster pace than the first three and its effects are already being felt in almost every industry. Enhancing AI capabilities and properly applying them (in both government and private sectors) will be critically important for the security and prosperity of the nation. 

Both industries and governments around the world, including China and Russia, are significantly investing in AI research. For the U.S. to maintain its technological dominance, it must develop and invest in a sound, integrated, AI R&D strategic plan.

MITRE thus welcomed this opportunity to draw on our technical knowledge and operational experiences to respond to the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Request for Information (RFI) supporting an update of The National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. MITRE feels that the original (2016) version of this plan was technically accurate and the seven substrategies remain areas that need focused attention. MITRE believes, however, that language within the prior strategic plan limited its effectiveness. We are encouraged that the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has not only continued the NSTC’s work on the subject of AI but also elevated it within the NSTC’s structure.  We are hopeful that the updated strategic plan follows suit and becomes influential, and provides several ideas within this response to enhance its effectiveness.

MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that works across government to tackle difficult problems that challenge the safety, stability, security, and well-being of our nation. With a unique vantage point throughout government, as well as multiple partnerships with industry and academia, MITRE works to discover new possibilities, create unexpected opportunities, and lead by pioneering together to apply innovative ideas to nationally important issues.