WASHINGTON, April 3, 2023: Today, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced a new milestone in its commitment to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges: the establishment of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies.
The Wadhwani Center’s establishment at CSIS is made possible by a $5 million commitment from CSIS Trustee Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, a leading Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist with more than 50 years of experience and success in founding and leading software and AI technology companies.
The new Wadhwani Center will produce in-depth research, analysis, and policy recommendations to equip policymakers and government officials with a better understanding of rapidly evolving technology ecosystems and their impacts on U.S. national security. Gregory C. Allen will serve as the Director of the Center.
“The rapid advancement of generation-defining technologies and the significant implications for U.S. national security requires unprecedented attention,” said John Hamre, CSIS President and CEO. “Today’s launch of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies will allow CSIS to offer unparalleled analysis and recommendations as policymakers and industry leaders weigh how to best use emerging tech to advance the interests of the United States and its allies.”
Emerging and foundational technologies, such as AI, biotechnology, advanced computing, and semiconductors, are making significant strides. Geopolitical powers—with the United States and China at the forefront—are driving a new phase of global competition for technological power, economic advantage, and strategic edge.
“Rapid progress in AI and other advanced technologies hold the potential to transform nearly all aspects of human life, including geopolitical structures, military strategy, economic development, jobs, domestic politics, scientific research and regulatory frameworks worldwide,” said Dr. Wadhwani. “While these changes offer opportunities for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world, they also pose considerable national security challenges that require effective management, governance, and diplomacy.”
In his role as the Wadhwani Center’s founding Director, Gregory C. Allen will recruit and lead a staff of technology experts and practitioners to develop new research and policy recommendations. Mr. Allen joined CSIS in 2022 from the U.S. Department of Defense, where he served as the Director of Strategy and Policy at the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. Mr. Allen’s expertise and professional experience span AI, robotics, semiconductors, space technology, and national security in both government service and private sector roles.
“I’m honored to lead the Wadhwani Center as it supports U.S. and allied government institutions seeking to improve technological understanding, implement robust protections, and promote both technology adoption and agile governance,” said Gregory C. Allen.
The Wadhwani Center will appoint a distinguished Board of Advisors and will work closely with policymakers, government officials, and AI technology experts in academia and business to achieve its mission.
About CSIS:
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges in foreign policy and national security. CSIS’s purpose is to define the future of national security, guided by a distinct set of values—non-partisanship, independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity and professionalism, and talent development. CSIS’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Thomas J. Pritzker, and John J. Hamre leads CSIS as President and CEO.
About the Wadhwani Foundation:
The Wadhwani Foundation is a global not-for-profit with the primary mission of accelerating economic development by driving job creation through large-scale initiatives in entrepreneurship, small business growth, innovation, and skilling. Founded in 2000 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, today, the Foundation leverages technology in its programs to achieve the highest possible impact and enabling rapid scale-up in multiple countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges.