OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has urged governments around the world to invest in and develop their own artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, rather than relying solely on private companies. Speaking at a recent technology summit, Altman emphasized that AI is becoming as critical as energy or transportation, and that nations must treat it as a key strategic asset for the future.

AI as a Public Utility: A Vision for Shared Power

Altman highlighted that AI systems should serve as public utilities, accessible and beneficial to all citizens. He argued that leaving AI entirely in the hands of corporate giants could create imbalances in power, privacy, and control, especially in areas such as education, defense, and healthcare. Governments, he said, must collaborate with private innovators but retain sovereign oversight over how AI is used and developed.

Global Competition in AI Development Intensifies

As nations like China, the United States, and the European Union race to build AI dominance, Altman’s comments come amid growing global concern about technological dependence and data security. Many governments have already begun investing in national AI centers and supercomputing facilities, with the goal of maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Partnership, Not Isolation

Altman clarified that OpenAI supports collaboration between the public and private sectors, rather than isolation. He proposed that governments should co-develop open-source AI models, promote transparency, and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits. Such an approach, he said, could lead to safer, fairer, and more accountable AI ecosystems.

The Road Ahead for AI Policy and Regulation

Altman’s call reflects a broader shift toward AI sovereignty, as policymakers seek to balance innovation with safety and regulation. With the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and the ethical debates surrounding them, his statement underscores the need for global coordination and shared governance frameworks in the AI age.