The Intersection of Critical Technologies: Reshaping National Priorities

Table of Contents

1. AI Super Computing
   • Introduction
   • Impact of AI on National Priorities
   • The Role of the Atlantic Council
   • Introducing Keith Strier and Marie Larson
2. Keith Strier: Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives at NVIDIA
   • Overview of NVIDIA
   • NVIDIA's Role in Accelerated Computing
   • Keith Strier's Responsibilities
   • NVIDIA's Global Portfolio of Government Business
   • Collaboration with Governments for Complex Problem-Solving
3. Marie Larson: Denmark's Tech Ambassador
   • Understanding the Role of a Tech Ambassador
   • Denmark's Pioneering Role in Technology Diplomacy
   • The Purpose of a Tech Ambassador
   • Collaboration between Governments and Tech Companies
4. The Political Implications of Technology
   • The Increasing Geopolitical Role of Tech Companies
   • Governments' Need to Engage with the Industry
   • The Role of Tech Diplomacy in Addressing Geopolitical Challenges
5. The Importance of Collaboration Between Government and Private Sector
   • Government Affairs Functions in Large Companies
   • Shifting from Compliance and Regulation to Collaboration
   • Establishing a New Paradigm of Cooperation
   • Engaging in Conversations about Technology and its Impact
6. Persuading Technologists to Collaborate on Geopolitical Issues
   • The Role of Tech Ambassadors in Bridging Gaps
   • Tech Companies as Unintentional Geopolitical Actors
   • The Need for Collaboration and Partnership
   • Overcoming the Perception of Government Slowness
7. The Geopolitical Landscape and the Ukraine Crisis
   • The Impact of the Ukraine Crisis on Geopolitics
   • Technology's Role in the Conflict
   • Highlighting Geopolitical Tensions and Bifurcation
   • Governments' Stand on the Right Side of History
8. Artificial Intelligence: Policies, Time Horizon, and Opportunities
   • National Strategies for Artificial Intelligence
   • Leveraging AI to Address Societal Challenges
   • Artificial Intelligence as an Opportunity for Nations
9. Super Computing: Infrastructure, Importance, and Risks
   • The Importance of Super Computing for AI
   • Investing in Super Computing Infrastructure
   • Policy Blind Spot and the Importance of Standards
   • Addressing Risks and Implications of Super Computing
10. Cyber and Quantum: Strategies, Time Frame, and Implications
    • Governments' Focus on Quantum Computing
    • Simulating Quantum Computing with Super Computers
    • Investing in Quantum Computing Capabilities
    • Balancing the Opportunities and Risks of Quantum
11. Conclusion
    • The Future of Technology and Geopolitics
    • Collaboration and the Path Forward

🖥️ AI Super Computing

The panel on AI Super Computing explores the intersection of AI, cyber, quantum, and critical technologies that are reshaping national priorities. The Atlantic Council's Geotech Center, a renowned think tank in the United States, focuses on global and geopolitical issues and brings together experts to discuss how critical technologies can benefit humanity and intersect with geopolitics. In this panel, Keith Strier, Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives at NVIDIA, and Marie Larson, Denmark's Tech Ambassador, discuss their roles, the political implications of technology, the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector, and the impact of the Ukraine crisis on the geopolitical landscape.

🎯 Keith Strier: Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives at NVIDIA

Keith Strier introduces NVIDIA, a leading company in accelerated computing platforms. While NVIDIA is known for its graphical processing chips, they also contribute significantly to solving complex problems across industries and collaborate with companies and countries worldwide. As the Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives, Keith oversees NVIDIA's global portfolio of government business, focusing on strategic partnerships and commercial business. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments and tech companies to advance shared values and benefit all of humanity.

💡 Marie Larson: Denmark's Tech Ambassador

Marie Larson, Denmark's Tech Ambassador, explains the role of a technology diplomat and the significance of recognizing the impact of technologies on various aspects of Danish life, including the economy, democracy, and government operations. Denmark's appointment of a technology ambassador signals the need for closer collaboration between governments and the tech industry. Marie highlights the importance of government engagement with tech companies, seeking understanding through open conversations on developing technologies that Align with geopolitical challenges and support shared missions.

🔁 The Political Implications of Technology

The panelists discuss how governments need to engage more with the tech industry and overcome the perception of government slowness by appointing tech ambassadors and fostering dialogue. Technology companies, often unintentionally, have become significant geopolitical actors, requiring cooperation between governments and the private sector. The dialogue focuses on addressing geopolitical challenges, supporting the development of technology aligned with democratic values, and creating a collaborative atmosphere that goes beyond regulation to establish shared visions and principles.

✅ The Importance of Collaboration Between Government and Private Sector

The panel emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector. Keith Strier points out that large companies, including tech companies, have government affairs functions and trade compliance departments. However, the collaboration sought by Denmark and other nations goes beyond compliance and regulation. Governments, represented by tech ambassadors, aim to engage in comprehensive conversations with tech companies to understand their perspectives and address geopolitical challenges collectively.

🤔 Persuading Technologists to Collaborate on Geopolitical Issues

Marie and Keith reflect on the reluctance of some technologists to engage in geopolitical issues and collaborate with governments. Marie emphasizes the significance of having tech ambassadors who understand the industry from their private sector background. They provide insights into the challenges faced by companies and aim to foster mutual understanding to develop effective collaborations. Keith highlights that governments' increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing has created new opportunities for cooperation that go beyond traditional policy and regulatory conversations.

⚡ The Geopolitical Landscape and the Ukraine Crisis

The panelists acknowledge that the Ukraine crisis has had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the increasing tensions and the technology-related challenges faced by governments. Technology companies, inadvertently operating as geopolitical actors, are compelled to make decisions with broader geopolitical implications, such as disinformation and cybersecurity. The crisis has underscored the need for governments to take a stand and engage more with the private sector to navigate the complexities of technology's impact on society.

💻 Artificial Intelligence: Policies, Time Horizon, and Opportunities

Artificial intelligence (AI) strategies have become a national priority for many countries. Governments recognize the transformative potential of AI in addressing societal challenges and driving economic growth. Policies are being developed to guide the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies. The time horizon for realizing the impact of AI is already here, with smaller countries realizing the importance of investing in AI capabilities to remain competitive. The opportunities AI presents are immense, ranging from Healthcare and industry to food production and job creation.

🚀 Super Computing: Infrastructure, Importance, and Risks

Super computing plays a vital role in supporting advancements in artificial intelligence. Keith highlights that the ability to compute large-Scale AI models is crucial for nations' competitiveness and security. Investing in super computing infrastructure and developing capabilities in this field are essential for countries to have a strong position in the global economy. The risks associated with super computing include issues of data privacy, cybersecurity, and the need for international standards. It is important for governments to address these risks proactively and ensure the responsible use of super computing technologies.

🌐 Cyber and Quantum: Strategies, Time Frame, and Implications

Cybersecurity and Quantum Computing are two key technologies with significant geopolitical implications. Quantum computing is gaining attention from governments worldwide, and many countries are investing in research and development. While practical quantum computers may be several years away, The Simulation of quantum computing on existing super computers offers valuable insights. Governments are recognizing the importance of developing strategies, overseeing standards, and building national capabilities in quantum computing. The time frame for realizing the impact of quantum computing is expected to be within the next decade.

🔍 Conclusion

The panel concludes with a discussion on the future of technology and geopolitics. The collaboration between governments and the private sector, particularly in the fields of AI, super computing, cyber, and quantum, is crucial for addressing geopolitical challenges and utilizing the potential of emerging technologies. The panelists emphasize the need for open dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to ensure that technology is developed and deployed for the collective benefit of humanity. By working together, governments and the private sector can Shape a future that aligns with democratic values and achieves positive transformation on a global Scale.