“Not since the invention of electricity has the United States today had the opportunity to use new technology to stimulate the nation’s economy,” wrote Brad Smith, president and vice chair of Microsoft. “In many ways, artificial intelligence is the electricity of our age, and the next four years could lay the foundation for America’s economic success for the next quarter century.”
$80 billion dedicated to AI data centers and deployments
Microsoft’s vision is built on three fundamental pillars:
- Development and investment in AI technology and infrastructure within the US
- Implementing AI skilling programs to encourage AI adoption and career opportunities in the country.
- Exporting US AI technologies to political allies.
Smith wrote that the $80 billion investment will be split between various projects, including “building AI-powered data centers to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications around the world.” ” includes the work of More than half of the investment has been allocated to infrastructure within the US.
This investment in AI data centers is more than Microsoft’s total capex spending in 2024. That was at least $53 billion..
The ‘AI race’ with China is on.
Meanwhile, the international investment will further Microsoft’s goal of dominating foreign markets with American AI products, particularly in areas facing competition from China.
Microsoft’s reference to AI data centers in the same breath as China’s Belt and Road investment shows that the ongoing and well-documented “AI race” is intensifying. Both countries strive to incorporate AI and cloud data center infrastructure into the global infrastructure. Microsoft highlighted the UAE and Kenya as US footprints where Microsoft provided AI infrastructure and supply line expertise.
“The rapid growth of China’s AI sector has increased competition between American and Chinese AI, much of which is expected to emerge in international markets around the world over the next four years,” Smith wrote.
See: US Alleges Chinese Threat Actors Were Behind It Breach of the US Treasury System In December
Discussing the upcoming presidential administration, Smith recalled past executive orders promoting AI development. He requested that the US government “expand these efforts” and support AI research. “Practical” export control policies and looser regulations would help Microsoft boost the U.S. economy through sales of AI products, Smith wrote.
Microsoft’s AI products extend through PCs and smart devices.
In recent months, Microsoft has taken additional steps that reaffirm its commitment to AI.
In 2024, the tech giant invested. About $14 billion In OpenAI. Smith explained. AI skills It will be essential to the future of American jobs. Microsoft provides Free training in the basics of generative AI and continues to improve AI professionals and enthusiasts, including In APAC.
Microsoft also continues to develop AI PCs equipped with Copilot+ generative AI assistant. The Redmond-based company has also partnered with other hardware makers to expand AI infrastructure options such as Azure.
both LG And Samsung are adding Microsoft Copilot shortcuts to their smart TVs, the companies announced Jan. 6 at the CES trade show in Las Vegas.
Smith believes that Microsoft’s AI efforts will ultimately support the US economy. However, he noted that the success of these efforts depends on a broader technology ecosystem, including the entire chip economy, software developers who build solutions for consumers, and construction firms that build data centers.
“Together,” he explained, “all of these groups have enabled the technology sector to become the economic backbone of the United States and the world.”