The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has introduced a new framework to help policymakers and analysts assess America’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The framework provides a structured approach for evaluating the country’s AI capabilities, capacity, and competitive position relative to other nations.

According to GAO, the model is intended to support evidence-based policymaking and help identify strategies that can strengthen U.S. leadership in AI.

The framework is built around four key pillars:
– Science and Technology: Covers research and development (R&D), software, hardware, data, and digital infrastructure that support AI innovation and deployment.

– Human Capital: Focuses on workforce development, education, skills training, and talent mobility needed to build and sustain AI capabilities.

– Governance: Examines collaboration and partnerships, laws and policies, responsible AI practices, and leadership structures that guide AI development and use.

– Economy: Evaluates the business environment, investment and financing, business activities, and other economic factors that influence AI growth and competitiveness.

GAO also outlined a four-step assessment process. Analysts begin by defining desired AI competitiveness outcomes, then identify relevant indicators for measurement. The third step involves analyzing data using selected metrics and sources, followed by the development of policy recommendations based on findings.

The release comes as federal agencies continue expanding AI adoption and governance efforts. GAO previously identified 94 governmentwide requirements related to federal AI use and noted the establishment of 10 executive branch oversight groups tasked with supervising AI implementation across government.