Brookings Institution: Artificial Intelligence Research and Policy

Summary

The Brookings Institution's AI research hub stands as one of America's most influential think tank resources for understanding the intersection of artificial intelligence and public policy. Unlike advocacy organizations or industry groups, Brookings brings a scholarly, non-partisan approach to examining how AI should be governed, regulated, and integrated into society. Their research spans from granular technical policy questions to broad societal implications, making complex AI governance issues accessible to policymakers, business leaders, and engaged citizens. The resource features ongoing analysis from distinguished fellows in both governance studies and technology innovation, providing a unique dual perspective that bridges the technical and political dimensions of AI policy.

The Brookings Advantage: Why This Research Matters

Brookings occupies a distinctive position in the AI policy landscape. While government agencies focus on implementation and tech companies emphasize innovation, Brookings provides the critical middle ground of independent analysis. Their researchers aren't selling solutions or defending regulatory positions—they're examining what actually works. This institutional credibility means their recommendations often become the foundation for congressional hearings, agency guidance, and corporate governance frameworks. When Brookings publishes research on AI liability or algorithmic accountability, it carries weight in Washington in ways that purely academic or industry research often doesn't.

Key Research Areas You'll Encounter

• AI Regulation Architecture: Deep dives into how existing regulatory frameworks apply to AI systems, gaps in current oversight, and proposals for new governance structures. This includes analysis of sector-specific approaches versus comprehensive AI legislation.
• Economic and Labor Impacts: Research on how AI deployment affects employment, wages, and economic inequality, with particular attention to policy interventions that could mitigate negative effects or enhance positive outcomes.
• International AI Governance: Comparative analysis of global approaches to AI regulation, trade implications of different governance models, and recommendations for international cooperation on AI standards and norms.
• Democratic Institutions and AI: Examination of how AI affects electoral processes, government decision-making, and civic participation, along with policy recommendations for preserving democratic values in an AI-enhanced society.

Who This Resource Is For

• Congressional Staff and Policy Advisors seeking rigorous, non-partisan analysis to inform legislative proposals and regulatory approaches—Brookings research is specifically designed to translate complex AI concepts into actionable policy recommendations.
• Corporate Government Affairs Teams who need to understand the policy landscape and anticipate regulatory developments, particularly those working for companies deploying AI at scale or seeking government contracts.
• State and Local Government Officials grappling with AI procurement decisions, smart city initiatives, or local AI governance ordinances who need practical guidance grounded in broader policy research.
• Graduate Students and Early-Career Researchers in public policy, law, or technology policy who want to understand how established policy institutions approach emerging technology challenges.
• Informed Citizens and Advocates who engage in public discourse about AI governance and want access to the same high-quality analysis that influences actual policymaking.

Navigating the Research Effectively

The Brookings AI hub organizes content around policy themes rather than technical categories, which means you'll find related pieces scattered across different publication types. Start with their "Policy Briefs" for quick overviews, then dive into "Working Papers" for detailed analysis. Pay particular attention to pieces co-authored by fellows from different Brookings centers—these often provide the most comprehensive perspectives. The research includes both reactive analysis of current events (like responses to new AI regulations) and proactive research identifying emerging policy challenges. For practitioners, focus on pieces that include specific policy recommendations rather than purely analytical work.