Workforce

Place-Based Innovation and Its National Security Implications

Council on Foreign Relations
| May 1, 2025

CSET's Jaret C. Riddick and Hayes Meredith provided their expert analysis in an op-ed published by the Council on Foreign Relations. In their piece, they discuss the critical role of place-based industrial innovation policy in maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness and national security amid intensifying global strategic competition.

Top-Tier Research Status for HBCUs?

Jaret C. Riddick and Brendan Oliss
| April 2025

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is simplifying its top-tier R1 research criteria this year. Recognizing the strategic importance of historically Black colleges and universities, Congress passed Section 223 of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to increase defense research capacity by encouraging the most eligible among these institutions to seek the highly coveted R1 status. This in-depth analysis examines the 2025 classification changes, their effect on eligible HBCUs, and strategies for Congress to maintain progress.

In response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy's request for input on an AI Action Plan, CSET provides key recommendations for advancing AI research, ensuring U.S. competitiveness, and maximizing benefits while mitigating risks. Our response highlights policies to strengthen the AI workforce, secure technology from illicit transfers, and foster an open and competitive AI ecosystem.

A CSET report was highlighted in a Business Insider article discussing Russia’s struggles in the global AI race, with its flagship model, GigaChat MAX, trailing behind American and Chinese counterparts. Experts cite a lack of innovation, a weak private sector, and the war in Ukraine as major setbacks.

The State of AI-Related Apprenticeships

Luke Koslosky and Jacob Feldgoise
| February 2025

As artificial intelligence permeates the economy, the demand for AI talent with all levels of educational attainment will expand in kind. Apprenticeships are an effective education and training pathway for other industries, but are they suitable for AI-related roles? This report analyzes trends in AI-related apprenticeships across the United States from 2013 through 2023. It explores the growth of these programs, completion rates, demographic and geographic information, and the organizations sponsoring these programs.

5 AI trends to watch in 2025

GZERO Media
| January 7, 2025

Mina Narayanan provided her expert insights in an article published by GZERO Media. The article discusses the evolving landscape of AI policy under the incoming administration and the key trends shaping AI regulation, national security, and U.S.-China competition in 2025.

AI and the Future of Workforce Training

Matthias Oschinski, Ali Crawford, and Maggie Wu
| December 2024

The emergence of artificial intelligence as a general-purpose technology could profoundly transform work across industries, potentially affecting a variety of occupations. While previous technological shifts largely enhanced productivity and wages for white-collar workers but led to displacement pressures for blue-collar workers, AI may significantly disrupt both groups. This report examines the changing landscape of workforce development, highlighting the crucial role of community colleges, alternative career pathways, and AI-enabled training solutions in preparing workers for this transition.

In an article by Inside Higher Ed, CSET’s Jaret Riddick shared his expert insights on Howard University's anticipated attainment of Research-1 (R-1) status in 2025.

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.

Advancing Inclusive Innovation: Meeting the Surge in Demand for STEM Jobs

Council of Foreign Relations.
| October 10, 2024

In his article featured in the Council of Foreign Relations, Matthias Oschinski shared his expert analysis on the importance of strengthening the United States' STEM talent pipeline.