COVID-19 accelerated the deployment of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies – reshaping how we work, shop, learn, socialize, even visit the doctor in ways likely to stick around long after the virus is under control. Even when we are able to safely return to "normal" life, continued acceleration of these innovations will be critical to recovery and making progress on our global goals. However, the pandemic also underscored the need for public and private sector governance to address emerging challenges and ensure tech works for everyone. As a recent World Economic Forum report explained, the pandemic "exposed even more clearly the gaps that still exist in digital access." Responsible technology governance is needed to protect against discriminatory algorithms, unethical use of data and job displacement.

Ensuring American leadership in artificial intelligence is critical for U.S. competitiveness.

Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the American AI Initiative, with the aim of "accelerating our national leadership" in artificial intelligence. "Americans have profited tremendously from being the early developers and international leaders in AI. However, as the pace of AI innovation increases around the world, we cannot sit idly by and presume that our leadership is guaranteed." IEEE Spectrum asked four experts for their take on the announcement. Several saw it as a response to China's AI policy, which calls for major investment in order to make China the world leader in AI by 2030.