Publications

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Analysis

AI Safety and Automation Bias

Lauren Kahn, Emelia Probasco, and Ronnie Kinoshita
| November 2024

Automation bias is a critical issue for artificial intelligence deployment. It can cause otherwise knowledgeable users to make crucial and even obvious errors. Organizational, technical, and educational leaders can mitigate these biases through training, design, and processes. This paper explores automation bias and ways to mitigate it through three case studies: Tesla’s autopilot incidents, aviation incidents at Boeing and Airbus, and Army and Navy air defense incidents.

Applications


Workforce


Filter publications
Analysis

Acquiring AI Companies: Tracking U.S. AI Mergers and Acquisitions

Jack Corrigan, Ngor Luong, and Christian Schoeberl
| November 2024

Maintaining U.S. technological leadership in the years ahead will require policymakers to promote competition in the AI market and prevent industry leaders from wielding their power in harmful ways. This brief examines trends in U.S. mergers and acquisitions of artificial intelligence companies. The authors found that AI-related M&A deals have grown significantly over the last decade, with large U.S. tech companies being the most prolific acquirers of AI firms.

Analysis

Fueling China’s Innovation: The Chinese Academy of Sciences and Its Role in the PRC’s S&T Ecosystem

Cole McFaul, Hanna Dohmen, Sam Bresnick, and Emily S. Weinstein
| October 2024

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is among the most important S&T organizations in the world and plays a key role in advancing Beijing’s S&T objectives. This report provides an in-depth look into the organization and its various functions within China’s S&T ecosystem, including advancing S&T research, fostering the commercialization of critical and emerging technologies, and contributing to S&T policymaking.

Analysis

Governing AI with Existing Authorities

Jack Corrigan, Owen Daniels, Lauren Kahn, and Danny Hague
| July 2024

A core question in policy debates around artificial intelligence is whether federal agencies can use their existing authorities to govern AI or if the government needs new legal powers to manage the technology. The authors argue that relying on existing authorities is the most effective approach to promoting the safe development and deployment of AI systems, at least in the near term. This report outlines a process for identifying existing legal authorities that could apply to AI and highlights areas where additional legislative or regulatory action may be needed.

Analysis

Enabling Principles for AI Governance

Owen Daniels and Dewey Murdick
| July 2024

How to govern artificial intelligence is a concern that is rightfully top of mind for lawmakers and policymakers.To govern AI effectively, regulators must 1) know the terrain of AI risk and harm by tracking incidents and collecting data; 2) develop their own AI literacy and build better public understanding of the benefits and risks; and 3) preserve adaptability and agility by developing policies that can be updated as AI evolves.

Data Snapshot

Pushing the Limits: Huawei’s AI Chip Tests U.S. Export Controls

Jacob Feldgoise and Hanna Dohmen
| June 17, 2024

Since 2019, the U.S. government has imposed restrictive export controls on Huawei—one of China’s leading tech giants—seeking, in part, to hinder the company’s AI chip development efforts. This data snapshot reveals how exactly Huawei’s latest AI chip—the Ascend 910B—improves on the prior generation and demonstrates how export controls are likely hindering Huawei’s production.

CSET Non-Resident Senior Fellow Kevin Wolf testified before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on economic competition with China.

Analysis

China, Biotechnology, and BGI

Anna Puglisi and Chryssa Rask
| May 2024

As the U.S. government considers banning genomics companies from China, it opens a broader question about how the United States and other market economies should deal with China’s “national champions.” This paper provides an overview of one such company—BGI—and how China’s industrial policy impacts technology development in China and around the world.

Formal Response

Comment on BIS Request for Information

Jacob Feldgoise and Hanna Dohmen
| April 30, 2024

Jacob Feldgoise and Hanna Dohmen at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University offer the following response to the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities (89 FR 5698).

CSET's Ngor Luong testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission where she discussed Chinese investments in military applications of AI.

CSET's Jack Corrigan testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission where he discussed security threats posed by Chinese information and communications technology systems.