As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves toward advanced, autonomous models, 2025 saw increased experimentation across industries, and a surge in global AI investment and competition. In a new insight, Technology and Innovation Policy Analyst Angela Luna looks at how AI’s transition from experimentation to broad adoption reshaped policy priorities heading into 2026.

Key points:

• Although Congress did not pass major legislation in 2025, the Trump Administration advanced executive actions that positioned AI as a strategic national priority for U.S. competitiveness.
• With technology moving from experimentation to broad adoption, the transition into 2026 places infrastructure and regulation at the core of the AI agenda; policy priorities include scaling infrastructure, accelerating AI innovation, and expanding AI use across the federal government.
• The uncertainty around the continued growth of AI – particularly around how advanced models will reshape operations, products, labor, and government services – raises new challenges for policymakers; ultimately, success will depend on how well infrastructure scales and on governance frameworks that ensure deployment while minimizing risks.

Read the analysis.