In the gold rush for AI talent, the U.S. is squandering its lead

The future of artificial intelligence hinges not on compute power or data, but on a shrinking pool of human talent. Leading AI firms are engaged in a quiet arms race, competing fiercely for the world's top scientists and engineers, often luring them with exorbitant compensation. This concentration of expertise within a few elite institutions and companies, primarily in the U.S., risks intellectual homogeneity and fragility in AI development. Other nations, like the UK, Canada, and France, are actively implementing policies to attract AI researchers, recognizing their strategic importance. China, despite facing chip restrictions, is doubling down on cultivating its own AI talent. Ironically, the United States, home to many top AI firms, is contemplating immigration policies that could deter international researchers, jeopardizing its leadership. Corporate practices, such as offering massive salaries, are draining talent from academia, creating a research vacuum. This scarcity and concentration of cognitive resources raise ethical concerns about which problems AI development prioritizes. A new social contract is needed, one that treats human intelligence as a shared resource, fostering more open immigration, competitive public research funding, and global cooperation. The United States' historical advantage in attracting global talent is at risk if it prioritizes insularity over openness. Ultimately, the race for AI supremacy will be won by the nations that can attract and empower the minds shaping artificial intelligence.