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Geopolitics & Regulation

AI Regulation and Investment

How government policy shapes where and how fast AI develops

What it is

AI regulation varies dramatically by jurisdiction. The EU AI Act (2024) establishes risk-based regulation, with the highest requirements for "high-risk" systems in domains like healthcare and law enforcement. The US has taken a lighter-touch approach, relying primarily on voluntary commitments and executive orders.

The regulatory environment creates incentives and disincentives: heavy regulation can slow domestic development and push AI companies to less-regulated jurisdictions. The US-China race dynamic creates political pressure against regulation that might handicap US companies.

Why it matters

Regulation determines where AI companies can operate, what they can build, and how fast they can move. For AI products in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, law), understanding the regulatory landscape becomes necessary for product design. For AISA members working on AI policy or consulting with enterprises, this is immediately applicable knowledge.

Resources

America's AI Regulation Ban Is Back
youtube.com· Covers the latest developments in US AI regulation policy, including attempts to restrict or enable state-level AI regulation.
12 min
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act
artificialintelligenceact.eu· Primary source for the EU AI Act. Clean summary of the risk tiers (unacceptable, high, limited, minimal) with practical examples.
10 min
White House Releases a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence
hklaw.com· Legal analysis of the 2026 White House AI policy framework. Covers the regulatory approach and implications for AI companies.
10 min
2026 Year in Preview: AI Regulatory Developments for Companies to Watch Out For
wsgr.com· Forward-looking overview of the 2026 AI regulatory landscape from a leading tech law firm. Practical guidance for companies navigating compliance.
12 min
AI Index 2025 Report: Economy
hai.stanford.edu· The definitive annual report on AI investment and economic trends. Data-rich with excellent charts. Essential reference for understanding the investment landscape.
20 min