Three countries—China, India and the United States—are far ahead of others when it comes to the artificial intelligence revolution, according to Malcom Frank, executive vice president of strategy and marketing for Cognizant, a global outsourcing firm headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey.
“I think it’s three horses in the race, and that’s probably the wrong metaphor because they are all going to win. They are just going to win differently,” Frank says in an interview with CNNMoney’s Rishi Iyengar published Aug. 21. Frank is co-
author of the book, “What to Do When Machines Do Everything.”
The United States is a leader because of Silicon Valley (of course) and advancements that already have computers subbing for people in fields from agriculture to medicine, Frank says. China also has big tech giants pushing AI, but it benefits from heavy government involvement, too, including a state-sponsored plan for a $150 billion AI industry. “You look at the playbook China has had very successfully, with state sponsorship around developing the (physical) infrastructure of the country,” Frank says. “They’re taking a very similar approach around artificial intelligence, and I think that’s going to yield a lot of benefit.”
India’s drive toward AI is fueled by companies in its $143 billion outsourcing industry, according to the CNNMoney article. “In India, you look at this remarkable platform that is in place now … of incredibly sophisticated skills that are focused on the needs of (global) companies,” Frank says.
Some fear a robot uprising, but with careful thought and planning, governments and companies can help create a future where, Frank says, “AI is going to be safe and you get the benefits of it without the downsides.”
