Artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models are typically trained on vast troves of data using unsupervised learning at scale and support wide ranging downstream tasks, many of which may not have been envisaged by the developers. They're a powerful and novel development in the AI field.

The CSIRO has prepared this report to inform industry, government and community organisations about the strategic implications of AI foundation models for Australia.

This report helps frame the issues and alert Australian industry, community and government to the opportunities and risks associated with AI foundation models. The CSIRO wants to share what they're seeing and explore the sorts of strategies and policies organisations across the globe are implementing.