OpenAI unveils economic blueprint to secure U.S. AI leadership

OpenAI rolled out an economic game plan on Monday, sketching out policy recommendations designed to keep the U.S. on top of artificial intelligence innovation while staying true to democratic values.

The document, introduced with a preface by OpenAI’s VP of Global Affairs, Chris Lehane, spotlights the urgent need for America to secure billions of dollars in resources—like semiconductor chips, massive data sets, energy, and skilled talent—to maintain its AI edge.

“Today, while some countries sideline AI and its economic potential, the US government can pave the road for its AI industry to continue the country's global leadership in innovation while protecting national security,” Lehane wrote in the plan.

The proposal arrives at a time when people are increasingly worried about the patchwork of AI regulations popping up across the U.S. This year alone, state legislators have introduced close to 700 AI-related bills—some of which clash with each other. For example, the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act requires open-source AI model developers to meet strict liability standards, complicating things further.

Infrastructure and Investment

The blueprint points out a major infrastructure gap, noting that around $175 billion in global funding is waiting to be invested in AI ventures. OpenAI cautions that without quick action to steer these funds into AI ecosystems guided by democratic ideals, the money could flow to initiatives backed by the Chinese Communist Party.

To tackle these challenges, OpenAI suggests:

• Setting up AI Economic Zones to speed up permitting for AI infrastructure, including solar arrays, wind farms, and nuclear plants
• Building a National AI Infrastructure Highway that connects power and communications networks across regions
• Significantly increasing federal investment in power grids and data transmission systems

Security and International Cooperation

The blueprint calls for a unified U.S. plan to secure the most advanced AI models, prioritizing:

• Creating best practices to prevent criminal exploitation and industrial espionage
• Simplifying how the AI industry cooperates with national security organizations
• Establishing U.S.-led global standards for AI safety

Public-Private Partnership

OpenAI has already taken several steps in line with these objectives, such as:

• Developing a Preparedness Framework for evaluating AI models
• Collaborating with defense partners like Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory
• Working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to safeguard children

The blueprint recommends forming a consortium between AI companies and federal agencies to pinpoint best practices for working with the national security community. This alliance would aim to boost AI system security while giving the government access to cutting-edge technology.

OpenAI describes this plan as a “living document” that will evolve in tandem with continued discussions with the U.S. government. The company stresses that making it all work demands a careful balance of innovation, sensible protections, and a steadfast commitment to keeping the U.S. ahead in AI.