Australia shouldn’t try to build its own frontier AI, and here’s why.
The Prohibitive Costs
For every ambitious attempt to create cutting-edge AI, there’s a hefty price tag attached. With the costs of building and maintaining advanced AI models skyrocketing, even the most well-funded nations are starting to feel the pinch.
Just consider the over $1 billion invested by the US government alone in its AI research and development initiatives in 2020. That’s not including the billions more funneled into private sector companies, like Google and Microsoft, which have become key players in AI innovation.
The Lack of Natural Advantages
While Australia has made significant strides in AI research, the country still lags behind the likes of the US, China, and the EU in terms of sheer scale and resources. With a relatively small talent pool and limited investment in AI education, Australia is unlikely to match the output of its global peers.
Sure, there are some notable exceptions – like the CSIRO’s Data61 initiative, which has generated some impressive results in areas like machine learning and natural language processing. However, these successes are still a far cry from the kind of comprehensive AI infrastructure being built in other parts of the world.
The Risks of Going It Alone
So, what would happen if Australia were to try and build its own frontier AI, despite the odds? The risks are significant. For one, the cost of trying to keep up with the global AI elite could be financially unsustainable.
Moreover, the potential for duplication of effort – and wasted resources – would be substantial. Australia would also risk losing out on the benefits of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that comes with being part of a global AI ecosystem.
What This Means
In short, Australia should focus on collaborating with other nations and working within the global AI framework, rather than trying to go it alone. By doing so, the country can tap into a wealth of shared knowledge and expertise, and avoid the prohibitive costs and risks associated with trying to build its own frontier AI.
