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Aug. 5, 2025–On July 23, the Trump Administration released Winning the Race, America’s AI Action Plan, a policy blueprint outlining national priorities for AI research, infrastructure, and global competitiveness. The document includes 90 recommendations organized into three strategic pillars: Accelerate AI Innovation, Build American AI Infrastructure, and Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security.

Context and Background

The U.S. government’s interest in coordinated AI investment has long been a priority. The U.S. National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) launched in January 2024 to expand access to computational and data infrastructure for researchers (read more about the NAIRR here). Evolving demands from public and private sectors have underscored the need for stronger research protocols, enhanced AI infrastructure, and targeted workforce development strategies. The AI Action Plan builds on this foundation, signaling the intent to integrate existing tools and authorities into a broader national U.S. AI strategy.

Pillar 1: Accelerate AI Innovation

Dating back to Vice President JD Vance’s remarks at the Paris AI Action Summit, enhancing AI innovation has been a primary tenet of the current U.S. administration. This pillar comprises the largest proportion of the action plan and offers opportunities for researchers, educators, and industry leaders seeking new areas of federal investment. Notably, it calls for the next phase of NAIRR to go forward, ahead of the pilot expiring at the end of 2025. A common theme is increased investment in public-private partnerships targeting domain-specific areas like agriculture, health care, and energy.

This pillar includes increased federal investment in cloud-based research in key priority areas: translational science, biotechnology, manufacturing, and STEM education. Cloud-based research can significantly benefit institutions that lack expensive resources to conduct their work, like scalable computing power and broad datasets. By leveraging cloud technology, researchers gain access to these advanced tools and capabilities without expensive infrastructure.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (WHOSTP) is expected to release a request for information to identify regulatory barriers stifling AI innovation. Other recommendations include launching new pilot programs by leveraging authorities in existing laws (e.g., the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Public Workforce and Economic Development Act) to explore workforce augmentation needs, helping businesses and institutions adapt to AI-driven demands.

Pillar 2: Build American AI Infrastructure

This pillar, which was accompanied by a new executive order on permitting for new data centers, outlines efforts to ensure the United States has the capacity to power, build, and maintain the infrastructure required to advance AI research, education, and deployment. It presents significant opportunities and benefits aligned with the interests of advancing research, education, and operational capabilities.

The Department of Energy’s national laboratories are identified as key partners to develop secure AI systems, foster innovation, and help prepare students for high-impact careers. Community and technical colleges particularly stand to benefit from enhanced access to computing resources and workforce development opportunities for high-skilled workers. Universities gain enhanced resources and opportunities to shape the future workforce. Companies benefit from faster infrastructure buildouts and a readily available skilled labor pool—both essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in AI.

Pillar 3: Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security

The third pillar safeguards U.S. intellectual property (IP) and strengthens global AI leadership. This section calls for institutions to develop, implement, and share advanced technology protection measures for basic research and higher education institutions. This will require strengthening research security protocols to safeguard sensitive research environments, particularly in higher education.

What comes next?

Questions remain about how the AI Action Plan will influence the upcoming National AI Initiative Reauthorization and the implementation of the updated National AI R&D Strategic Plan. Additional agency guidance, including public engagement opportunities, is expected in the coming months. AI innovation is highly relevant to higher education and every sector, so watch for more information from the WHOSTP and the National AI Initiative Office for requests for information and releases about new pilot programs. To prepare for these requests, read the full AI Action Plan (access it here).

Why It Matters

As AI innovation accelerates, aligning government investment with workforce, infrastructure, and research security needs is critical. The AI Action Plan presents a roadmap that reinforces the role of research institutions, workforce development systems, and industry partnerships in shaping a secure AI future.

The plan’s recommendations, if enacted, could redefine how U.S. institutions access AI infrastructure, safeguard IP, and prepare students for emerging roles in an AI-enabled economy.

Thank you to Holten Stringer of Van Scoyoc Associates for contributing this week’s 3-Minute Read.

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