Governments worldwide face difficulties in regulating fast-evolving technologies like AI due to a lack of in-house technical expertise and insufficient collaboration between policymakers and technologists. This gap results in ineffective regulations, missed opportunities for positive AI applications, and inadequate preparation for long-term risks. A dedicated initiative to strengthen tech governance could help address these challenges.

The Core Idea

One approach could involve establishing a specialized government think tank focusing on AI and tech ethics, staffed by a mix of technologists (AI researchers, ethicists) and policy experts. This team might conduct research on high-priority issues like algorithmic bias and AI safety, advise policymakers through reports and legislative drafts, and coordinate with external experts while maintaining independence. Structuring it as a semi-autonomous unit within an existing department could provide direct access to decision-makers without creating redundancy.

Potential Benefits and Challenges

The main beneficiaries would include policymakers needing technically informed guidance, the public benefiting from better-informed regulations, technologists seeking policy influence without leaving their field, and industry gaining regulatory clarity. Challenges might include resistance from government silos and difficulties attracting technical talent—potential solutions could include hybrid roles for researchers and mandatory cross-department collaboration.

Execution Pathway

A starting point could be a small interdisciplinary team producing a flagship report on an urgent issue (e.g., AI in healthcare). A pilot might involve embedding technologists in policy teams for 6-12 months before formalizing the think tank with dedicated funding. Compared to existing efforts like advisory offices or external research groups, this approach would combine direct government access with deep technical specialization.