Microsoft blogs an AI strategy

In a blog post, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith outlined a strategy for securing US leadership in AI, describing the technology as a transformative “General-Purpose Technology (GPT)”. Smith emphasizes three priorities: infrastructure investment, workforce skilling, and international outreach.

To strengthen AI infrastructure, Smith highlights Microsoft’s planned $80 billion investment in AI-enabled datacenters, with over half allocated to projects in the United States. These facilities are essential for training AI models and deploying advanced applications across sectors. A robust ecosystem to support this growth requires collaboration with tech firms, construction companies, and organized labor.

Workforce skilling is equally vital. Smith calls for a national AI talent strategy to equip Americans for an AI-driven economy. Microsoft, in partnership with community colleges and nonprofits, aims to train 2.5 million Americans on AI in 2025, targeting rural and underserved communities.

On the global stage, Smith underscores the importance of promoting American AI exports to allies while countering China’s subsidized AI expansion. Balanced export controls and partnerships are critical to US global leadership.