White House Unveils Global AI Strategy to Bridge Technology Divide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an exclusive interview, Michael Kratsios, assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, outlined a bold new initiative designed to address the widening gap in artificial intelligence adoption between developed and developing countries. The American AI Exports Program, a centerpiece of the White House’s global AI strategy, aims to provide trusted U.S. technology, financing, and deployment support to nations at risk of falling behind during this critical technological inflection point.
Kratsios emphasized the urgency of this effort, noting that while developed countries continue to accelerate their AI capabilities, many developing nations lack access to the tools and expertise necessary to harness AI’s transformative potential. “We see the world in two broad categories, and different tools are needed for each,” Kratsios said. He highlighted sectors such as healthcare, education, energy infrastructure, agriculture, and citizen-facing government services as priority areas where AI adoption can deliver concrete benefits.
For years, developing countries have faced a difficult choice between limited technology access and slow progress. The American AI Exports Program seeks to break that pattern by offering “best-in-class technology” backed by U.S. leadership in AI innovation, from advanced GPUs to frontier AI models. The program also includes financing mechanisms to overcome adoption barriers and hands-on support to help governments effectively deploy these tools.
This initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to maintain technological leadership and promote responsible AI development worldwide. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which Kratsios leads, has been instrumental in coordinating federal AI policy, including recent testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness.
Experts note that AI’s impact on global economic growth and governance is profound, but uneven distribution threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities. By assisting developing countries in adopting AI responsibly, the United States aims to foster inclusive growth and stability. The program’s approach mirrors successful models like the Peace Corps, combining technology transfer with capacity building.
Kratsios’ remarks come amid growing international competition in AI development, with countries like China aggressively investing in AI exports and infrastructure. The U.S. strategy emphasizes trusted partnerships and ethical standards, seeking to ensure that AI technologies are used to empower societies rather than undermine them.
As part of the program, the White House plans to collaborate with agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development to facilitate financing and deployment, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to support digital infrastructure improvements. This multipronged approach aims to build sustainable AI ecosystems in partner countries.
“America remains the undisputed leader in AI,” Kratsios stated, “and it is our responsibility to share that leadership to create a more equitable global future.” The initiative is expected to launch pilot programs in select developing nations later this year, with plans for expansion based on early results.
For more information on U.S. AI policy and export programs, visit the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the U.S. Department of Commerce websites.
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