R & D Cooperation in AI: Report on the U.S. and Japanese Panel, IJACI 1985

The author acknowledges the kind cooperation of Professor Aravind Joshi, IJCAI program chairman, in extending the opportunity to produce this timely panel discussion The panelists included Dr Jack Williams. His presentation pinpointed the world forces of change, the government role in fostering efficient technological innovation, and the need to adapt to flexible manufacturing quickly. In discussing the AI industry, he said, LLThere are many similarities between AI and biotechnology, namely, the entrepreneurship and many startup firms, few products yet, but much commercial potential, a shortage of qualified talent, and a potential to create vast social change. The aspects of world forces of change are serious in that they threaten the livelihood of the U.S. economy because 70% of the U.S. output is in world markets. Abstract The consensus of government, academic, and industry leaders widely supports the strategic positioning of U.S. and Japanese research and development in mutually beneficial, two-way flows of innovation This report is derived from the IJCAI panel titled U S and Japanese Cooperation in AI and R&D Opportunities, held August 23, 1985 at the University of California at Los Angeles This panel discussed the sensitive topic of alternatives to nationalistic competitive strategies that have contributed to an extreme trade deficit surpassing $40 billion in 1985 The ideas offered by the panelists shed light on ways our countries' respective scientific communities can blend talents to achieve the best results in reducing trade frictions Each country has designated AI research as a key to unlock years of generations of technology and has directed billions of dollars to fund this development The most recognized projects are the U.S. Microelectronics Technology Computer Consortium (MCC) and Japan's Fifth Generation Computer Project (ICOT).