Executives Say $1 Billion for AI Research Isn't Enough

Government agencies requested $973.5 million in nondefense AI research spending for the fiscal year ending in September 2020. It is the first time the federal government has calculated agency-specific requests for spending on artificial intelligence. AI spending for the Defense Department is classified. Michael Kratsios, the U.S. chief technology officer, said at a Washington panel event that breaking down the government's AI spending will allow it to better identify investment opportunities, conduct strategic planning across different parts of the government and find collaboration opportunities with industry and academia. Trump administration officials said they believe the total reflects their commitment to maintaining and strengthening U.S. leadership in AI.