Federal AI Action Plan RFI - AI Analysis of Industry Council and Professional Association Responses

Professional councils and industry associations responding to the federal AI Action Plan RFI present a clear consensus that the future of artificial intelligence in the U.S. must rest on strong foundations of robust data, innovation, national coordination, and public trust. These organizations urge government not just to regulate, but to lead in enabling secure, ethical, and responsible AI development. Key recommendations emphasize adaptable national standards, secure infrastructure, and ongoing investment in partnerships that support research, workforce growth, and public benefit.

Security, ethics, and adaptability are cross-cutting themes. These councils and associations repeatedly call for action that balances risk management with innovation, and highlight collaboration among government, industry, and the public sector as the path to American leadership in AI.

The overall tone and sentiment among this group of responses highlighted a balance of optimism, pragmatism, and urgency, and quantitatively was similar to those of several other groups. Most of the responses (70%) were positive/proactive, and were focused on solutions, opportunities, and leadership. A smaller set of responses (25%) was neutral/analytical, focused on making sectoral observations, identifying technical needs, and offering recommendations. A small number (5%) expressed concern or criticism, mainly centered around issues of security, needs for standards and public trust, and urging action.

Recommendations from the group of councils and associations was generally aimed at federal policy, reflecting the intersection of what these organizations see as both their own and the federal government’s most pressing priorities. The following are thematically similar groups of recommendations made in this set of RFI responses:

1. Develop and implement robust national standards for AI.

2. Invest in secure, high-quality data infrastructure.

3. Foster innovation and research through federal and industry partnerships.

4. Support responsible use of AI in critical sectors (health, industry, government).

5. Prioritize security, ethics, and public trust.

6. Expand workforce training and technical education for the AI era.

7. Ensure that federal policies are adaptable and responsive to rapid technology shifts.

Several distinctive findings and unique insights surfaced in these responses. The recurrence of certain topics suggests their view of a dual role for government, covering not only the need to regulate but also to enable and facilitate responsible use of AI. Council and association responses also place importance on dealing with matters of risk as an enabler of innovation, identify a need for cross-sector collaboration, and reflect a significant emphasis on economic growth.