Italian watchdog Garante faced challenges in hiring AI experts after a temporary shutdown of ChatGPT last year. Despite efforts to strengthen its team, a dozen candidates dropped out over pay issues, reflecting a global struggle for regulators to attract top talent in the AI field.
The demand for AI expertise has surged since the unveiling of ChatGPT, with regulators worldwide competing for a limited pool of skilled professionals. However, low pay, lengthy hiring processes, and visa complications have hindered recruitment efforts, according to industry insiders.
As the European Union implements comprehensive AI regulations, public bodies like the newly opened AI Office and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) are also grappling with recruitment challenges. The EU lawmaker overseeing the AI Act expressed concerns about enforcement due to difficulties in attracting qualified candidates.
In contrast, the United States has taken steps to expedite the hiring of AI experts, offering competitive salaries and flexible recruitment processes. Under President Joe Biden, government agencies have been empowered to quickly onboard AI talent, with initiatives like the creation of an “AI Corps” within the Department of Homeland Security.
While the US government offers salaries comparable to the private sector for AI specialists, EU agencies have struggled to match industry standards, potentially deterring top talent. The AI Safety Institute in Britain has offered higher incentives for senior positions, but lower-level roles may not be as appealing to experienced professionals.
Despite challenges, organizations like the AI Safety Institute have successfully recruited experts from leading tech companies, emphasizing the importance of their mission to ensure the safety of AI models. Calls for government policy changes, including relaxing recruitment rules and offering new work visas for tech talent, have been made to address the talent shortage in the AI sector.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability of governments to attract and retain AI experts will be crucial in shaping trustworthy AI practices and regulations. As the global demand for AI talent continues to grow, policymakers face the challenge of adapting recruitment strategies to secure the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of AI governance.
