Federal R&D to Prioritize Improving Public Services Through Artificial Intelligence

A White House memo published Thursday indicates that the government will focus research and development on artificial intelligence for government services and regulatory tools for such technology. Funding will be directed toward designing and testing the results of new AI approaches.

Signed by the heads of the Management and Budget and Science and Technology Policy offices, the memo emphasizes the government’s responsibility to diminish AI risks while utilizing the technology to facilitate government missions and advance solutions to national issues that other sectors will not address.

The Biden administration’s fiscal year 2025 R&D plan also prioritizes maintaining U.S. security and stability leadership, supporting economic growth and reducing inequities. Federal agencies must reflect such priorities when crafting funding proposals for submission to OMB.

According to the memo, federal R&D should generate tangible outcomes such as new products, services, jobs, policies and standards, FedScoop reported Thursday.

The White House is currently developing an executive order to guide responsible AI use by agencies and mitigate risks.