Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

January 23, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Purpose: Revokes existing AI policies, including Executive Order 14110, to remove barriers and ensure U.S. global leadership in artificial intelligence by promoting free-market innovation without ideological bias.
Policy Directive: Establishes a national objective to sustain and enhance America’s AI dominance to boost human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
Definition: For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” is defined according to 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
AI Action Plan Development: Mandates that key presidential advisors and agency heads (including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs) develop and submit an AI action plan within 180 days.
Implementation of Order Revocation: Directs an immediate review of existing actions under Executive Order 14110 with measures to suspend, revise, or rescind any directives that conflict with the new policy; requires adjustments to OMB Memoranda M-24-10 and M-24-18 within 60 days.
General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not impair existing legal authority or administrative functions and is subject to applicable law and availability of funds.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to remove barriers to AI innovation, which could lead to rapid advancements in AI technologies. This may increase competition among research institutions, including Vanderbilt University, to secure funding and talent in AI research.
There is a potential risk of increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements as the government seeks to align AI policies with national security and economic competitiveness goals. Vanderbilt may need to ensure its AI research complies with new federal guidelines.
The revocation of previous AI policies could create uncertainty in the short term, affecting ongoing research projects and collaborations that were aligned with the previous directives.
Vanderbilt University may need to adapt its AI-related curricula and research focus to align with the new national priorities in AI, potentially requiring investment in new resources and faculty expertise.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may experience increased demand for AI research and development, necessitating strategic partnerships with government agencies and private sector leaders in AI.
The Data Science Institute at Vanderbilt could play a pivotal role in advancing AI research and ensuring that the university remains competitive in securing federal research grants.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Research might need to enhance its compliance and regulatory frameworks to align with new federal AI policies and ensure continued eligibility for federal funding.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization could see opportunities to commercialize AI innovations, leveraging the university’s research outputs in alignment with national AI priorities.

Financial Impact

The focus on AI leadership may open up new funding opportunities for Vanderbilt University, particularly in areas related to AI research and development, cybersecurity, and economic competitiveness.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to ensure compliance with new AI policies, which could involve additional administrative costs and investments in training and infrastructure.
There could be increased competition for federal grants and contracts related to AI, requiring Vanderbilt to enhance its grant application strategies and collaborative efforts with industry partners.
The potential for new AI-driven innovations and technologies could lead to revenue-generating opportunities through patents, licensing, and partnerships with the private sector.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should align its AI research initiatives with the new federal policies to ensure compliance and leverage potential funding opportunities. By focusing on AI systems that are free from ideological bias, the school can position itself as a leader in unbiased AI research and development.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the development of the AI action plan by the APST and other relevant agencies. Engaging with policymakers during this process could provide Vanderbilt with insights into upcoming changes and opportunities to influence AI policy.
Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute should explore partnerships with federal agencies to contribute to the national AI agenda. By participating in government-led AI initiatives, the institute can enhance its research capabilities and increase its visibility in the AI community.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of AI policy changes on national security and economic competitiveness. This research can inform Vanderbilt’s strategic decisions and contribute to public discourse on AI policy.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to expand its AI research and development efforts. By aligning with federal priorities, the university can secure funding and partnerships that enhance its position as a leader in AI innovation.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on unbiased AI systems by developing educational programs and workshops that address ethical AI development. This initiative can attract students and professionals interested in responsible AI practices.
The emphasis on maintaining global AI leadership aligns with Vanderbilt’s strategic goals of international collaboration. The university can seek partnerships with global institutions to advance AI research and share best practices.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order necessitates major process changes to align Vanderbilt’s AI initiatives with new federal policies and capitalize on emerging opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Within 180 days: The APST, Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and APNSA, along with other designated officials, are required to develop and submit an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan.
Within 60 days: The OMB Director, in coordination with the APST, must revise OMB Memoranda M-24-10 and M-24-18 to align them with the new policy.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST): Tasked with developing an AI Action Plan and reviewing past AI policies, the APST is central to the implementation of the order.
Special Advisor for AI and Crypto: Works alongside the APST and APNSA to review and modify existing policies and facilitate a barrier-free environment for AI innovation.
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA): Involved in coordinating policy review and strategy to ensure national security considerations align with AI leadership goals.
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy: Collaborates in developing the AI Action Plan to promote economic competitiveness alongside other key offices.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy: Participates in shaping domestic policy aspects within the broader AI strategy.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director: Responsible for revising relevant OMB Memoranda to ensure consistency with the new AI policy directives.
Heads of Relevant Executive Departments and Agencies: As determined by APST and APNSA, these agency leaders will review, suspend, or revise policies that conflict with the objectives of the order.

Relevance Score: 3 (A significant number of high-level offices and agency leaders across the executive branch are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) – Leads the development of the AI action plan and coordinates review of previously enacted AI policies.
Special Advisor for AI and Crypto – Collaborates with the APST and other officials to formulate the new AI policy and address obstacles from previous directives.
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) – Partners with the APST and Special Advisor to ensure national security considerations are integrated into the AI action plan.
Assistant to the President for Economic Policy – Provides coordination and input on economic aspects of the new AI policy as deemed relevant.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Assists in formulating domestic policy considerations within the AI action plan.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) – Responsible for revising existing OMB memoranda to align with the new AI objectives and ensuring budgetary compliance.
Heads of Relevant Executive Departments and Agencies – Tasked with reviewing and, if necessary, suspending, revising, or rescinding previously implemented AI actions that conflict with the new policy.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level White House advisors and agency heads, involving top-tier officials in policy implementation.)