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Understanding Artificial Intelligence

DIIG is currently conducting research focusing on building insight into the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on national security in order to explore the nexus between AI’s national security involvement and its broader commercial applications. As part of this project, the research team has been hosting working roundtables to discuss critical topics in the AI space, including the conceptual framework for AI applications, national security investments in AI as they pertain to a competitive global environment, challenges for AI adoption, management of operational AI, and implications of international approaches. By promoting discussion about how AI plays into national defense and consulting others in the defense community about the issue, DIIG hopes to obtain a better perspective on the role of artificial intelligence in national security. Please check back on this page for more content over the next few months. DIIG will be releasing its full report at a public event here at CSIS on November 5, 2018. The report will be available to the public on this page.

 


Report | Artificial Intelligence and National Security: The Importance of the AI Ecosystem

November 5, 2018 | Lindsey R. Sheppard, Andrew Philip Hunter, Robert Karlen, Leonardo Balieiro
 
Download the Report
 
This study presents the key steps to be taken to facilitate the successful integration of AI into national security applications based on an accurate understanding of where the AI field currently stands and what key factors are involved in successful AI adoption and management.

 
 
Defining the AI Ecosystem
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are all around, often in ways we do not immediately notice. AI technologies help users augment and amplify their current capabilities, supported by a complex network of humans and machine systems. To ensure AI is useful and effective in achieving our objectives, CSIS is studying the state of AI application, implications to national security and industry, the weaknesses of AI implementations, and the necessity of the growing AI ecosystem.

Building the AI Ecosystem for National Security
The advanced capabilities of AI depend on a complex supportive and technological system—an AI ecosystem. Successfully deploying AI extends far beyond algorithm development. Technology reliability and predictability, a foundational digital capability, a skilled workforce, and ethical policies and guidelines are all required. However, most public and private organizations are woefully underinvested in the supportive structures that AI depends on. This creates a debt that must be paid up-front to allow for successful AI adoption. Taking a strategic approach to AI means investing in the AI ecosystem to pay down debt, especially investments in the workforce, and spreading bets across the AI field. 

 

Project made possible by generous support from Thales USA, Inc.

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Andrew Philip Hunter
Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and Senior Fellow, International Security Program

Most Recent

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Report
Artificial Intelligence and National Security: The Importance of the AI Ecosystem
By Lindsey R. Sheppard, Andrew Philip Hunter
November 5, 2018
On Demand Event
Artificial Intelligence and National Security: The Importance of the AI Ecosystem
November 5, 2018
View all content associated with this program
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