Navigating AI Policy: Balancing Innovation and Regulation with Adam Thierer

In this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, host Max Romanik is joined by Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI policy and regulation. They explore the challenges of balancing innovation with governance, drawing parallels between early internet policy and current AI regulatory approaches. Adam shares insights on the pacing problem, the potential pitfalls of overregulation, and the importance of flexible, iterative governance frameworks for emerging technologies.

In this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, host Max Romanik engages in an insightful conversation with Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute and a veteran in technology policy with over three decades of experience.

The discussion delves into the complex world of AI policy, drawing parallels between the early days of internet regulation and current challenges in AI governance. Thierer emphasizes the importance of flexible, iterative approaches to regulation, cautioning against overregulation that could stifle innovation and competitiveness. He explores the concept of "soft law" as a potential solution to the pacing problem between rapid technological advancement and slower policy development.

Throughout the episode, Thierer shares valuable insights on the potential pitfalls of broad, top-down regulatory approaches, the need for targeted, sector-specific regulations, and the geopolitical implications of AI policy decisions. He also discusses the challenges of international cooperation in AI governance and the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in AI development while addressing safety and ethical concerns.

Adam Thierer is a Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, where he focuses on technology policy. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Thierer has held influential roles at institutions such as the Mercatus Center, the Cato Institute, and the Heritage Foundation. He is a prolific author, with his work exploring the intersections of innovation, public policy, and economic progress.

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Connect with the host and guests here:

Max Romanik on LinkedIn
Corner Alliance's Website
Adam Thierer on LinkedIn
R Street Institute Website