The UK government has released an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan describing actions undertaken in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) to implement the National AI Strategy published in September 2021. The plan summarises the progress made across three main pillars: investing in the long term needs of the AI ecosystem; ensuring AI benefits all sectors and regions; and governing AI effectively. The government also presented a policy paper on Establishing a pro-innovation approach to regulating AI which proposes an AI regulatory framework that is context-specific, pro-innovation and risk-based, coherent, proportionate, and adaptable. In the government’s view, AI should be regulated based on its use and the impact it has on individuals, groups, and businesses. Responsibility for designing and implementing regulatory responses should be delegated to regulators, who should focus on addressing issues where there is real evidence of real risks or missed opportunities, while encouraging innovation and avoiding unnecessary barriers. The government also proposes the establishment of a set of cross-sectoral principles tailored to the distinct characteristics of AI, which are interpreted, prioritised, and implemented by regulators within their sectors and domains. Such principles would initially be set out on a non-statutory basis, to maintain an adaptable approach. At the same time, regulators will be asked to consider ‘lighter touch options’ – including guidance and voluntary measures, and to work with existing processes as much as possible (as opposed to creating new ones).
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Influencer economy newsletter
In the USA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have released the National Strategic Plan for Quantum Information Science and Technology Workforce Development. Developed by the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, the plan outlines a series of actions to ‘evaluate the quantum information science and technology (QIST) workforce landscape, prepare more people for jobs with quantum technology, enhance STEM education at all levels, accelerate exploration of quantum frontiers, and expand the talent pool for industries of the future’. The document is built around four key action lines: (1) develop and maintain an understanding of the workforce needs in the QIST ecosystem, with short-term and long-term perspectives; (2) introduce broader audiences to QIST through public outreach and educational materials; (3) address QIST-specific gaps in professional education and training opportunities; and (4) make careers in QIST and related fields more accessible and equitable.
The following is a transcript of an interview given by China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group on the international situation and China’s diplomacy in 2021 on December 30. Question: In 2021, the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrated its centenary, […]
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Draft predictions
Former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul tells me, “I am not a fan of rewarding Putin with talks because he threatens to invade Ukraine. But sometimes you have no better option than to talk to hostage-takers.” He adds, “While forced to have these talks under very bad circumstances, I thought the Biden team’s preparation was superb. . . . [Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman] brought a larger set of substantive ideas to Geneva, all of which had been coordinated with allies and partners and did not just react to Putin’s wish list. That was smart.”
Brian Katulis at the Middle East Institute observes, “The contrasts between [former president Donald] Trump’s performance with Russia’s President Putin at Helsinki and his erratic approach on Russia versus how the full Biden team is handling this episode is strong, with the Biden team working closely with partners in Europe.” He adds, “It looks so far that some of the Biden team have learned important lessons from the relatively weak response to the Russian invasion of Crimea in Obama’s second term.” He cautions however that the administration cannot skimp on “diplomatic engagement with Ukraine,” which constantly frets deals will be made without its agreement.
Click here to view original web page at www.washingtonpost.com
EU is basing its green deal diplomacy on the 4 pillars:
- trade,
- bilateral financial agreements,
- multilateralism through the United Nations, and
- domestic implementation of EU Green Deal.
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China’s Lunar Resarch
China’s scientists made a breakthrough in simulating the low-gravity environment on the moon. This research was inspired by Andre Geim’s experimental to levitate a frog with a magnet. Geim was well-known for saying science should “first makes people laugh, and then think”.
This research is part of China’s plan to Next, China wants to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and to set up a joint lunar research base with Russia.
Space diplomacy may require some new rules for lunar activities.
Iran turned in another set of proposals marked unrealistic by western powers during international nuclear talks. The talks aim at restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), attended by diplomats from the P4+1 – China, France, Russia, the U.K., and Germany. The U.S. also resumed short-lived indirect talks […]
By Ahn Sung-mi US President Joe Biden delivers the opening speech at the Democracy Summit at the White House in Washington on Thursday (local time). (Yonhap) The announcement of fresh US sanctions against North Korea might deal a blow to Seoul’s attempts to revive diplomacy with Pyongyang, experts said […]