Chips-Plus Artificial Intelligence In The CHIPS Act Of 2022 - New Technology - United States

On August 9, 2022, President Biden signed the CHIPS Act of 2022 (the "Act"), legislation to fund domestic semiconductor manufacturing and boost federal scientific research and development (see our previous alert for additional background). As part of its science-backed provisions, the Act includes many of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act's (USICA) original priorities, such as promoting standards and research and development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and supporting existing AI initiatives. The Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director to continue supporting the development of AI and data science and to carry out the National AI Initiative Act of 2020 (previous alert for additional background), which created a coordinated program across the federal government to accelerate AI research and application to support economic prosperity, national security, and advance AI leadership in the United States. Furthermore, the Act provides that the Director may establish testbeds, including in virtual environments, in collaboration with other federal agencies, the private sector and colleges and universities, to support the development of robust and trustworthy AI and machine learning systems. A new National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (the "Directorate") is established under the Act to address societal, national and geostrategic challenges for the betterment of all Americans through research and development, technology development and related solutions.