On 23 July, President Donald Trump unveiled America’s AI Action Plan, a pro-innovation push to win the AI race against China. The plan outlines over 90 initiatives focusing on deregulation, industry support, accelerating AI adoption and securing the critical inputs to AI like chips, energy and talent. AI infrastructure projects – including data centres, power plants and semiconductor facilities – receive the biggest boost through federal financing and expedited approvals.

For allies and partners, the US will launch programs to export its AI technology stack and prevent countries from turning to Chinese alternatives. These AI exports come with some strings attached, with partners expected to comply with tighter export controls and security requirements.

The Action Plan is another clear sign that AI competition is heating up. America wants to win, and it will marshal all its financial and diplomatic tools and innovative capacity to do so. With Australia expected to release a National AI Capability Plan by the end of the year, now is the time to consider how Australia aligns with US strategies and what success could look like.

Stay tuned for an upcoming brief and podcast on America’s AI Action Plan and what it means for Australia. Sign up for research alerts to be the first to know when we release major research on this topic.

Read America's AI Action Plan.