In this wide-ranging and insightful conversation, I spoke with Rama Elluru, a polymath at the forefront of innovation policy and AI governance.

Rama is Senior Director for Governance and Intellectual Property at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit founded by former Google CEO Eric and Wendy Schmidt to help ensure long-term U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. She previously served on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) and as an Administrative Patent Judge at the USPTO. Her expertise spans computer science, philosophy, biochemistry, law, and national strategy.

In this interview, we covered:

-Her interdisciplinary path from crystal structures to national policy

-AI’s evolving role in society, law, and national security

– Legal and ethical risks like AI hallucinations

– How IP frameworks must adapt to AI innovation

– Building trust and excitement through the AI+ Expo

– Global AI competition and U.S.-China dynamics

– Mentoring the next generation of women in tech and policy

“We’re building the plane while flying it,” Rama says of shaping AI governance as the technology evolves.

Don’t miss this episode of Profiles in Leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcR-SGFUzI4

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