New ITI Policy Paper Examines How AI and International Trade Converge
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI published a new paper, Where Trade Meets Tech: The AI Frontier, which explains how well-crafted trade policy underpins the development and deployment of AI. As governments seek to create policies that promote global competitiveness and facilitate AI exports, ITI’s paper offers recommendations to achieve this goal.
ITI emphasizes that trade policy can and should serve as a catalyst for open markets, secure systems, and inclusive global AI development and deployment. In order to propel AI and diffuse its benefits, ITI recommends that policymakers look to reinforce and build from the trade principles that have supported technological innovation for decades.
“Solid digital trade policy is critical to AI’s responsible development and deployment,” said ITI Executive Vice President of Policy Sean P. Murphy. “Foundational trade commitments serve as building blocks for policymakers looking to support a robust global AI marketplace, leading to economic growth and competitiveness.”
To encourage AI exports, enable trust, and support cross-border AI deployment, ITI recommends policymakers:
- Maintain and improve existing international agreements to include AI provisions;
- Adopt core digital trade rules that underpin the growth of AI and other technologies;
- Seek trade agreements to align AI approaches with other partners, enabling interoperable rules and commitments around the world;
- Emphasize the key role of consensus-based, industry-driven international standards in trade agreements to foster cooperation and mutual recognition;
- Utilize trade discussions and agreements to share information about best practices in securing AI; and
- Focus on addressing barriers to trade that may limit AI opportunities.