Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent artificial intelligence entrepreneur, has co-founded not one, but two innovative start-ups in the field of AI. He is the CEO of Inflection AI, a company he established with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn. Inflection AI recently closed a $1.3 billion funding round that included Microsoft and Nvidia, and is valued at approximately $4 billion. Suleyman’s book, “The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma,” emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach and manage AI, as failing to do so may hinder our ability to fully harness its potential while leaving us vulnerable to its existential risks.
Suleyman’s vision includes advocating for governmental regulation of AI, the appointment of cabinet-level tech ministers, and leveraging the United States’ dominance in advanced chips to enforce global standards. He also proposes the establishment of a governance regime modeled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to enhance transparency in AI initiatives undertaken by private companies.
These arguments may face challenges amidst escalating global tensions, but they align with ongoing discussions around AI oversight. Senate leader Chuck Schumer is set to meet with top tech executives, including Elon Musk and Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, to explore regulatory measures.
In an interview with DealBook, Suleyman discusses his newly released book and highlights its relevance in the current socio-political landscape.
Why did you choose to write a book to convey your ideas?
Writing a book allows for a form of radical accountability, enabling me to assess the accuracy of my predictions in a decade. It is intellectually honest and healthy to document my thoughts on the record, rather than relying solely on fragmented social media posts or articles.
Why do you describe the book as a “love letter” to the nation-state?
The book serves as a wake-up call to policymakers, politicians, and citizens. It emphasizes the importance of a system of noncommercial checks and balances that holds centralized power accountable in the public interest. This system, which has evolved from monarchy to liberal democracy, enables meaningful taxation, redistribution, and the prevention of inequality. To address the challenges posed by AI, we need to preserve and defend this system.
You’ve proposed a new Turing test to assess AI capabilities and identify potential job replacements. Can you explain how that would work?
The key question for the next decade is understanding the practical capabilities of artificial general intelligence. My proposed framework involves evaluating whether an AI can perform the tasks involved in creating a successful online business, such as generating new product ideas, design, manufacturing, promotion, and profitability. These tasks encompass vital skills including creativity, imagination, planning, negotiation, logistics, prioritization, and collaboration. Assessing an AI’s ability to perform a significant portion of these tasks will reveal the implications for the job market and the broader impact of AI.
How have your peers responded to your ideas?
Opinions within Silicon Valley vary. Some, like Satya Nadella, embrace responsibility and consider the ethical aspects of AI. However, there are skeptics, such as venture capital investor Marc Andreessen, who downplay the potential risks. While I share Andreessen’s optimism, I prioritize discussing the potential harms of AI more openly and maintaining intellectual integrity.
What is your perspective on the relationship between democratic governments and Silicon Valley?
Positive steps are being taken in this regard, with tech companies engaging meaningfully and governments actively exploring regulatory measures. Although progress is still required, it is encouraging to witness the foundation of a constructive relationship between democratic governments and Silicon Valley.
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