OpenAI funds 14 independent research projects on next-gen AI policy
OpenAI has announced funding for 14 independent external research projects to develop policy frameworks for the Intelligence Age, covering employment, education, and governance.
OpenAI has announced grants for 14 independent research projects to study and develop AI policy concepts under the "New policy ideas for the Intelligence Age" initiative, aiming to generate actionable policy recommendations for the rapid advancement of AI.
A key highlight is that OpenAI is not conducting the research in-house, choosing instead to fund external organizations and independent researchers to foster diverse perspectives and reduce reliance solely on the developer's internal viewpoints—reflecting a broader effort to expand the company's public policy footprint.
The funded projects cover four main areas: employment (the future of work and labor as AI transforms the market), education (preparing the next generation and upskilling), governance frameworks (appropriate AI oversight), and technology access (ensuring AI benefits reach all groups, not just big tech or superpower nations).
The ultimate goal of the research is concrete, evidence-based policy recommendations for governments, businesses, and civil society, moving beyond purely academic papers. This marks a notable proactive policy move by a major AI developer amid global debates on how governments should regulate AI.
AI policies stemming from these studies could serve as blueprints for various countries, including Thailand, in shaping their own AI regulatory frameworks—particularly regarding employment and education, which directly impact Thai workers and students. However, readers should note that while the research is "independent," the funding comes from OpenAI, a stakeholder in the matter.