Scale AI CEO Urges Bold Moves to Cement U.S. AI Dominance

AI Is the New Arms Race

Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, passionately argued at the Center for Strategic and International Studies that artificial intelligence is now the frontline of global geopolitical power. In a candid fireside chat, Wang emphasized that whoever leads in AI innovation will shape both the global economy and military edge for decades to come. With China rapidly investing in next-gen tech, Wang pressed urgency: the U.S. must consolidate its position as a world leader—not only in AI research, but also in application and infrastructure. His message? The AI era waits for no one.

Public-Private Partnerships Are Crucial

Wang stressed that U.S. leadership in AI hinges on deeper collaboration between government and private tech companies. He pointed to examples like DARPA and In-Q-Tel as past successes in fusing innovation with national defense. A similar model, he noted, should be adopted for AI, where private firms like Scale AI can accelerate Department of Defense initiatives while maintaining ethical safeguards. Developing trust between Silicon Valley and D.C. is not optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

Building AI Infrastructure Like Railroad Tracks

To Wang, building AI capabilities is akin to constructing the backbone of a 21st-century economy. He called for national investments in large-scale data infrastructure, talent development, and long-term AI training systems. The U.S. needs not just the smartest minds, but also the fastest pipelines for talent and data to move freely and securely under American standards. Without this foundation, AI potential could be stymied at a critical junction.