Before a new AI model reaches the public, its developers run it through a battery of tests known as “benchmarks,” which score it on everything from reasoning ability to how safe it is for people to use. Billions of investment dollars ride on these benchmark scores, and policymakers increasingly cite them to shape regulations and government procurement decisions that will guide the development of AI.Before a new AI model reaches the public, its developers run it through a battery of tests known as “benchmarks,” which score it on everything from reasoning ability to how safe it is for people to use. Billions of investment dollars ride on these benchmark scores, and policymakers increasingly cite them to shape regulations and government procurement decisions that will guide the development of AI.[#item_full_content]