Brookings AI Policy Research Collection

Summary

The Brookings Institution's AI Policy Research Collection represents one of the most comprehensive and influential bodies of artificial intelligence policy research in the United States. This living repository aggregates cutting-edge analysis from leading policy experts, economists, and technologists who shape national conversations around AI governance. What sets this collection apart is Brookings' unique position as a centrist think tank that bridges academic rigor with practical policy solutions, offering research that's both theoretically grounded and immediately actionable for policymakers. The collection covers everything from algorithmic bias in criminal justice to AI's impact on labor markets, providing the analytical foundation that often informs congressional hearings, regulatory frameworks, and executive branch initiatives.

The Brookings Advantage in AI Policy

Unlike advocacy organizations or industry-funded research, Brookings brings a reputation for nonpartisan analysis that makes their AI policy work particularly credible across political lines. Their researchers frequently testify before Congress, advise federal agencies, and participate in international AI governance forums. The institution's interdisciplinary approach means you'll find economists analyzing AI's labor market impacts alongside computer scientists examining algorithmic accountability and legal scholars exploring regulatory frameworks. This cross-pollination creates research that's unusually comprehensive and practically minded.

What You'll Discover

The collection reveals several key policy themes that consistently emerge in Brookings' AI research: the need for adaptive regulation that can keep pace with technological change, the critical importance of international coordination on AI governance, and the recognition that AI policy cannot be separated from broader questions of economic inequality and social justice. Their research often challenges both Silicon Valley optimism and techno-pessimist narratives, offering nuanced analysis of how AI governance can maximize benefits while minimizing risks. You'll find detailed case studies of AI implementation in government agencies, comparative analysis of different countries' AI strategies, and forward-looking research on emerging challenges like AI-generated content and autonomous systems.

Who This Resource Is For

Policy professionals and government officials working on AI-related legislation, regulation, or implementation will find research directly applicable to their work, often with specific policy recommendations and implementation guidance. Academic researchers studying AI governance can access rigorous analysis with extensive citations and methodological transparency. Think tank analysts and policy researchers at other institutions often use Brookings' work as a benchmark for their own research. Journalists covering AI policy rely on Brookings experts for authoritative sources and can access both technical reports and more accessible policy briefs. Business leaders navigating regulatory uncertainty can understand likely policy directions and their potential impacts on different industries.

Navigating the Research Landscape

The collection is organized around several core research streams that reflect Brookings' broader institutional strengths. Their Technology Innovation program focuses on the intersection of AI with economic policy, examining questions like how AI affects productivity, wages, and market competition. The Governance Studies program explores AI's impact on democratic institutions and public administration. Their foreign policy researchers analyze AI in the context of great power competition and international security. This organizational structure means you can either dive deep into specific policy domains or follow cross-cutting themes across different research programs.

The Policy Impact Pipeline

Understanding how Brookings research influences actual policy can help you identify which papers are likely to have staying power. Their most impactful work often follows a predictable pattern: initial research identifies an emerging issue, follow-up analysis develops policy options, and final recommendations are packaged for specific audiences like congressional staff or agency officials. The researchers frequently publish multiple formats on the same topic—a technical report, an executive summary, and op-ed pieces—allowing you to choose the level of detail that matches your needs.