Promoting The Export of the American AI Technology Stack

7/23/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Establish a coordinated national effort to promote the export of full-stack American AI technology packages, aimed at bolstering U.S. leadership in AI, economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness.
Policy Objective: Preserve American leadership in AI by supporting the global deployment of U.S.-origin AI technologies and reducing dependence on adversary-developed systems.
American AI Exports Program:
- Establishment: The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State and OSTP, must set up the program within 90 days.
- Proposal Requirements: Industry-led consortia must submit proposals featuring a full-stack AI technology package that includes hardware, data infrastructure, AI models, cybersecurity measures, and specific applications, along with targeted export markets, business models, and compliance with export controls.
- Evaluation Process: Proposals will be evaluated in collaboration with key departments including Defense, Energy, and OSTP, and selected as priority export packages for enhanced support.
Mobilization of Federal Financing Tools:
- Coordination Mechanism: The Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG), chaired by the Secretary of State, will coordinate the use of federal financing tools (e.g., loans, equity investments, risk insurance) to support priority AI export packages.
- Interagency Collaboration: Key agencies, including the Small Business Administration and OSTP, will participate in the EDAG and work toward aligning technical, financial, and diplomatic resources for AI export initiatives.
Implementation & General Provisions:
- Legal Consistency: The order will be implemented in accordance with applicable law and available appropriations while preserving existing departmental authorities.
- Cost and Enforcement: Publication costs are assigned to the Department of Commerce, and no rights or enforceable benefits are created for external parties.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to promote the export of American AI technologies, which could lead to increased competition in the global AI market. This may pressure American universities, including Vanderbilt, to enhance their AI research and development capabilities to remain competitive.
There is a risk that the focus on exporting AI technologies might divert resources away from domestic AI research and education, potentially affecting the quality and sustainability of AI programs at institutions like Vanderbilt.
The implementation of this order depends heavily on the availability of federal funds and the cooperation of industry-led consortia. Any delays or disagreements in these areas could hinder the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in AI technology export policies could affect its partnerships with international institutions and its ability to attract international students and researchers.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for research and expertise in AI technology development and export strategies. This could present opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and industry consortia.
Vanderbilt’s Office of International Affairs might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate changes in international partnerships and collaborations, particularly with countries targeted for AI technology exports.
The Data Science Institute could play a crucial role in supporting research and development efforts related to AI technologies and their applications in various sectors.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with technology companies and research institutions may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new AI export policies.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards AI export initiatives could impact the funding landscape for domestic AI research and education, potentially leading to reduced financial support for traditional AI programs.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize AI technology exports. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in AI technology and export strategies, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Commerce and other federal agencies.
As AI technology exports become more prevalent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students and researchers applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and research funding distribution.

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

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with industry-led consortia to develop and propose full-stack AI technology packages for the American AI Exports Program. This could enhance the university’s role in AI innovation and provide opportunities for research funding and collaboration.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in the American AI Exports Program and engage with the Department of Commerce to understand potential federal incentives and support mechanisms. This will help Vanderbilt align its AI research initiatives with national priorities and secure federal support.
Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute should consider conducting research on AI applications in specific use cases such as healthcare and education, which are highlighted in the executive order. This research can position Vanderbilt as a leader in AI-driven solutions and attract partnerships and funding.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should evaluate opportunities to commercialize AI technologies developed at Vanderbilt, aligning with the export promotion strategies outlined in the executive order. This could lead to increased technology transfer and economic impact.
Vanderbilt’s International Programs Office should explore partnerships with target countries or regional blocs identified in AI export proposals. This can enhance Vanderbilt’s global presence and create opportunities for international collaboration in AI research and education.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research and development of AI technologies. By participating in the American AI Exports Program, the school can contribute to the design and deployment of AI solutions globally, potentially influencing international AI standards and practices.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on AI export promotion by developing new programs and partnerships with international institutions. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative curriculum development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the AI sector.
The emphasis on supporting small businesses in AI development offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the school can influence how federal support is allocated to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in AI.
The order’s focus on improving AI infrastructure and systems aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to technological advancement. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for AI research and development, enhancing its capabilities and success in this field.
By engaging with the broader AI community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national and international conversation on AI innovation. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of AI export policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative AI thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in AI research and international collaboration.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Within 90 days of the order date, the Secretary of Commerce shall establish and implement the American AI Exports Program.
Proposals for inclusion in the Program must be submitted no later than 90 days after the public call for proposals.

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: Charged with establishing and implementing the American AI Exports Program, issuing public calls for proposals, and coordinating with other agencies to evaluate and support priority AI export packages.
Department of State: Responsible for developing a unified federal strategy for AI export promotion, aligning diplomatic resources, and coordinating international partnerships through the Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG).
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Consulted on the design and evaluation of the AI export initiative and involved in high-level strategic coordination with other agencies.
Department of Defense: Engaged in the evaluation process for proposals to ensure that national security considerations are integrated into the export of American AI technologies.
Department of Energy: Consulted for its expertise and strategic role in supporting the infrastructure and energy needs associated with advanced AI technology deployment.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Involved through its Office of Investment and Innovation to facilitate investments in U.S. small businesses and support mobilization of federal financing tools.
United States Trade Representative (USTR): Collaborates within the EDAG to integrate trade-related and export competitiveness strategies for American AI technologies.
Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG): An interagency group headed by the Secretary of State, tasked with mobilizing federal financing tools and coordinating economic diplomacy efforts to promote AI exports.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6 and 10 federal agencies and groups are impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with establishing and implementing the American AI Exports Program, issuing a public call for proposals, and coordinating the evaluation of export package proposals.
Secretary of State – Responsible for consulting with other cabinet-level officials to coordinate a unified Federal strategy on AI export promotion, chairing the Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG), and aligning technical, financial, and diplomatic resources.
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) – Consulted in establishing the Program and evaluating proposals, as well as delegated authority to appoint senior officials to EDAG.
Secretary of Defense – Consulted for evaluating proposals for inclusion under the Program.
Secretary of Energy – Consulted for evaluating proposals for inclusion under the Program.
Administrator of the Small Business Administration – Delegated authority to appoint senior officials to serve as EDAG members.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect several cabinet-level officials, including agency heads and senior leadership across multiple departments, highlighting significant national policy impact.)