The Orrin G. Hatch Foundation today hosted a webinar, “AI at the Crossroads,” bringing together leaders in national security, healthcare, finance, and technology governance to discuss the rapidly changing challenges and opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
The panel featured:
- U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), addressing national security and America’s global competitiveness in AI
- Dr. Alex Ding, American Medical Association, on AI’s role in modernizing healthcare
- Dr. Derek Horstmeyer, professor of finance, on AI’s accelerating impact in financial markets
- Kevin Kalinich, global AI risk and governance expert, on liability and accountability frameworks
Hatch Foundation Executive Director Matt Sandgren, serving as moderator, emphasized the importance of convening diverse voices as AI evolves at an extraordinary speed.
This year’s Policy Review has been one of our most widely anticipated, and it’s easy to see why: the rapid growth of AI holds great promise, but it also raises many questions that require clear thinking and careful leadership, said Sandgren. “Moderating today’s discussion highlighted how vital it is to bring together policymakers, practitioners, and experts. That’s the kind of balanced, forward-looking dialogue the Hatch Foundation is proud to lead.”
The conversation served as an early preview of the Hatch Center’s forthcoming annual Policy Review, “AI at the Crossroads: Policy, Innovation, and the Public Interest,” which will be released in January 2025.
Panelists explored several of the most urgent issues facing policymakers, industry leaders, and the public as AI becomes more deeply integrated into American life:
- America’s strategic position in the global AI race
Participants emphasized that AI will be key to economic competitiveness, military power, and geopolitical influence in the coming years. The discussion emphasized the importance of sustained U.S. leadership to secure long-term national security and global stability.
- Federal and state roles in regulating AI
Panelists also discussed President Trump’s plan to pursue a federal executive order designed to override state-level AI laws. The discussion examined both the potential benefits of a unified national framework and the importance of maintaining meaningful consumer protections.
- The impact of AI on healthcare delivery
Panelists discussed how AI can lessen administrative burdens, improve clinical workflows, and enable physicians to dedicate more quality time to patients. They emphasized that AI should function as a tool to support care rather than replace human judgment, and that patient trust, transparency, and safety must always be prioritized.
- The transformation of financial markets
Experts emphasized the growing importance of autonomous systems in investment decision-making, including examples of AI-driven trading happening without human input. This change prompts new questions about market oversight, systemic risk, and how financial institutions will adjust.
- The need for clarity in risk, liability, and governance frameworks
The discussion focused on the importance of determining who is responsible for decisions made by AI systems, especially in high-stakes settings. Clear accountability was seen as vital for managing risk, building trust, and fostering innovation.
- Infrastructure and energy demands of AI, including data centers
Panelists observed that AI’s rapid growth is significantly increasing energy consumption, adding new strain on U.S. infrastructure. The discussion emphasized innovations to boost efficiency and the role of data centers in on-site power generation and in supporting local economies.
The 2025 Hatch Center Policy Reviewwill feature essays from today’s panelists, lawmakers, and other distinguished contributors, offering a comprehensive look at the economic, regulatory, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
