Revolutionizing Silicon: How the US Aims to Secure Technological Leadership and Foster AI Innovation

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The Quest for AI Dominance Requires a Silicon Transformation

A rare point of consensus among US lawmakers, amidst their numerous disagreements, is the imperative for the nation to spearhead technological advancements to secure its economic and strategic superiority. The strategy to achieve this dominance will be a pivotal challenge for the upcoming US president and their team.

Over the last two presidential terms, remarkable measures have been adopted to preserve superiority in semiconductor fabrication and artificial intelligence, areas deeply interconnected. The United States, along with its partners, has limited the export of advanced semiconductors and the equipment required to produce them to major geopolitical competitors, notably China. Furthermore, in 2022, the United States enacted the CHIPS Act, a law that allocates $280 billion towards revitalizing microchip production within the country.

Laurie E. Locascio, who serves as the undersecretary of standards and technology at the Department of Commerce and leads the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, plays a significant role in managing the government's investments in semiconductors. Speaking to WIRED, she emphasized the importance of developing innovative semiconductor designs and production methods to maintain the United States' leading position in artificial intelligence technology. She also pointed out the significance of chip packaging, which involves the innovative assembly of components to enhance performance, as a key factor in advancing the next generation of AI technologies.

Locascio recently had a discussion with WIRED's senior writer, Will Knight, at the headquarters of the Commerce Department in Washington, DC. This dialogue has been modestly revised for brevity and coherence.

How have advancements in generative AI and ChatGPT influenced the microchip strategic focus of the US government?

During the pandemic, there was a shortage of essential semiconductors, the backbone of all our technological needs. However, the narrative is evolving. It's becoming clear that cutting-edge chips are necessary. Our prowess in artificial intelligence (AI) is unparalleled, and AI is revolutionizing numerous industries. Consequently, the focus has shifted to the significance of chips designed specifically for AI.

What does it truly signify in relation to the CHIPS Act?

Our goal isn't merely to introduce current technology to our region. It's crucial that we also develop the capability to produce future innovations and advancements emerging from research labs. Historically, our strength has been in spearheading innovation and creativity in this field, and we must leverage this advantage.

This is the reason the CHIPS Act is divided into two main sections: $11 billion allocated for research and development (R&D) and $39 billion dedicated to manufacturing processes. It's crucial for these sectors to work together harmoniously, as our capacity for innovation is what will ultimately encourage manufacturers to remain in this country. Consequently, we are collaborating closely with the R&D sector to create innovative technologies that can be seamlessly integrated into production lines.

Enhanced AI processors are essential for AI firms aiming to develop stronger artificial intelligence capabilities. What impact does this necessity have on funding for future-generation production?

It has certainly sharpened our approach in specific domains. For instance, when contemplating the allocation of the $3 billion earmarked for "advanced packaging," our attention has significantly shifted towards addressing challenges in artificial intelligence. We've come to recognize the critical role that packaging can play in solving these specific issues. This realization has not only honed our strategies in production but also in research and development aspects.

Why does the process of assembling various elements into a single package matter so much?

It might seem like a dull subject, but the advancement in packaging technologies paves the way for three-dimensional chip designs, significantly boosting the capabilities of AI processors and propelling the AI evolution forward. We've recently declared our intention to allocate $1.6 billion towards this initiative. This funding is aimed at various sectors, with a particular emphasis on addressing the energy and cooling needs critical to AI chips.

The significance of materials and substrates cannot be overstated, particularly in considering their integration into novel architectural designs. Additionally, the concept of hyperscale computing, which focuses on the interconnection of chips within data centers, plays a crucial role.

Shifting focus to your additional capacity as the head of NIST, you are tasked with establishing norms and procedures concerning AI. How is the progress of the AI Safety Institute coming along, given its mandate to prevent the risky deployment of AI?

The project is still in its initial stages, yet we're in the process of building partnerships with AI safety organizations globally, and we're in the midst of crafting standards for testing AI models.

Twelve months prior, there was significant discussion about the concept of artificial general intelligence and the potential existential risks associated with AI. Is this a topic that NIST is currently investigating?

It's fair to say we're part of every discussion taking place, although we don't have a dedicated team for it. We're constantly on the lookout for emerging dangers, yet currently, there's a notable lack of comprehensive studies in this area. As technology progresses, we'll keep paying attention to what the AI field has to say, guiding our initiatives with concrete data and empirical findings.

Current methods for evaluating AI progress appear to be flawed. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of effective tools for assessing AI's influence on businesses and the broader economy. Could NIST offer assistance in these areas?

I lack a precise gauge for the economic upside that AI might bring. Should you possess such an estimate, I'm eager to view it. Our aim is to innovate, yet it's crucial we proceed with caution. It's important that we deploy the technology in a manner that earns public confidence, enabling us to fully leverage its benefits. Our focus must be on utilizing it in a manner that truly benefits us.

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