Artificial Intelligence
The Public Option: Rethinking AI Infrastructure for the Common Good
Led by: Luca Cominassi & Ganesh Sitaraman
What would it look like to treat AI more like a public utility—essential infrastructure that is transparent, accountable, and designed to serve shared goals? This session examines the idea of a “public option” for AI, drawing parallels to other forms of public infrastructure (such as broadband, transit, or utilities). Participants will explore models for open and shared AI infrastructure, including open-source components, shared data resources, and public or cooperative investment, and consider how these can foster competition, reduce costs, and align innovation with public needs.
- Describe the concept of a “public option” for AI and how it relates to public infrastructure more broadly.
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Evaluate different models for shared AI infrastructure (open models, shared data resources, public platforms, cooperative arrangements).
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Understand how open and shared approaches can reduce costs, promote competition, and prevent over-dependence on a single vendor.
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Identify potential building blocks for a “public option” in their own context (e.g., shared components, data collaboratives, regional or state consortia).
This workshop is part of an InnovateUS Series called Public AI
View more workshops from Public AILuca Cominassi
Lawyer, AI advisor, Barcelona Supercomputing Center and Public AI Fellow, MetaGov
View bioModerated By
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