According to Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, the United States is at risk of falling behind in the artificial intelligence (AI) race due to the prevalence of remote work. Schmidt expressed concern that the shift towards remote work could hinder the collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas that are crucial for driving innovation in AI. He emphasized the importance of in-person interactions, stating that “the next modern AI will be created by a large team of bright people being able to riff off each other.” Schmidt warned that if the US fails to maintain its leadership in AI, it could have severe economic and national security consequences. He urged companies and policymakers to prioritize fostering environments that promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which are essential for advancing AI development. The article highlights the potential challenges remote work poses for cutting-edge technological advancements that rely heavily on teamwork and the exchange of ideas.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ex-google-ceo-losing-ai-race-staff-work-from-home-2024-8