Frontier AI
Highly capable, cutting‑edge AI models (a subset of general‑purpose/foundation models) whose scale or capabilities may create systemic or catastrophic risks.
Definitions (4)
Advanced AI systems whose capabilities may present novel or systemic risks requiring specialised empirical evaluation and monitoring. The Institute uses this term to prioritise systems for focused pre- and post-deployment testing and international coordination.
Described as highly capable general-purpose AI models (including foundation models) and other systems that exhibit advanced capabilities that may match or exceed those present in state-of-the-art models, and which could pose systemic or catastrophic risks across domains such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, and information integrity.
Models whose capabilities are materially beyond those of widely deployed systems and which may create novel or systemic risks; the Plan treats these as requiring specific safety testing, oversight and potential future regulation.
Highly capable general‑purpose models whose capabilities match or exceed the most advanced systems in use and which could present new systemic or catastrophic risks; the term is presented as an operational (and currently contested) label for models requiring special evaluation and oversight.
Related Terms
General-Purpose AI Model
An AI model trained at scale that displays significant generality and can competently perform many distinct tasks and be integrated into varied downstream systems....
Foundation Model
A large AI model trained on broad data that is designed to be adapted for many different tasks (e.g., LLMs, multimodal models)....
Dual-Use Foundation Model
Large foundation model with potential civilian and national security applications....
General-Purpose AI Model with Systemic Risk
A general-purpose AI model legally designated as carrying risks that can affect the EU market or society at scale, subject to heightened obligations under the EU AI Act....