Why I’m Leaving OpenAI and What I’m Doing Next

Leo

Welcome everyone to this episode of our podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Miles Brundage, who has had an incredible journey with OpenAI. We’re diving deep into his experiences there, the reasons behind his departure, and what he plans to do next in the AI landscape. So, Miles, it's great to have you here!

Miles Brundage

Thanks, Leo! It's great to be here. My time at OpenAI has been a remarkable experience, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and future plans with everyone.

Leo

You know, working at OpenAI is something many people dream of. Can you tell us a bit about your journey there? What have been some of the highlights for you?

Miles Brundage

Absolutely! I joined OpenAI over six years ago, starting as a research scientist on the Policy team. Over the years, I moved into roles like Head of Policy Research and then Senior Advisor for AGI Readiness. It’s been a whirlwind, working on critical projects that shaped how we think about AI deployment and safety.

Leo

That sounds fascinating, Miles. So, what led to your decision to leave such a prestigious position? It must have been a tough choice.

Miles Brundage

It really was a tough decision, Leo. I’ve devoted a lot of my life to the mission of ensuring AGI benefits everyone. However, I felt like the opportunity costs became too high. I wanted to tackle broader issues across the entire AI industry and have more freedom to publish my work without constraints.

Leo

That makes a lot of sense. So, moving forward, what are some of the key areas you’re interested in exploring now that you have this newfound freedom?

Miles Brundage

I’m particularly focused on AI policy research and advocacy. I think it’s essential that AI development is as safe and beneficial as possible, and that requires concerted efforts. I want to dive into topics like AI progress assessment, regulation, and the economic impacts of AI.

Leo

Starting a nonprofit sounds like an ambitious venture! What’s your vision for this organization, and how do you see it fitting into the larger AI ecosystem?

Miles Brundage

The idea is to create a space for independent research that can influence policy effectively. I want to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to push forward discussions and actions that ensure AI technology benefits all of humanity.

Leo

You mentioned several research topics you're interested in. For instance, AI progress assessment sounds particularly intriguing. Can you elaborate on why that's so crucial?

Miles Brundage

Sure! Understanding AI progress is foundational for making informed policy decisions. We need to accurately forecast developments to prepare for their societal impacts. Right now, there’s a lot of speculation, and I think rigorous analysis can help cut through that noise.

Leo

Collaboration seems to be a theme in your work. How do you see that playing out in your future endeavors? Will you be reaching out to other organizations?

Miles Brundage

Absolutely! I believe that the complex challenges posed by AI require multidisciplinary approaches. I’m eager to connect with researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to build a network that can effectively tackle these issues together.

Leo

That’s really inspiring, Miles. The idea of fostering a collaborative environment in AI governance is crucial. What challenges do you foresee in this mission?

Miles Brundage

There are definitely challenges ahead. One of the major hurdles is the existing polarization in discussions around AI benefits and risks. It’s vital to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground to ensure a balanced approach.

Leo

That’s a great point, Miles. It’s crucial to have a balanced dialogue. As you embark on this new journey, what are your hopes for the future of AI and its governance?

Miles Brundage

I hope to see a future where AI development is guided by ethical considerations and inclusive policies. There's immense potential for AI to improve lives, but we need to be proactive in shaping that future to ensure it's beneficial for everyone.