AWS Public Sector Blog

Craig Lawton

Author: Craig Lawton

Craig is a principal AI/ML solutions architect at AWS, specializing in AI/ML infrastructure and public sector cloud adoption. He works with government organizations and research institutions to design and implement large-scale AI systems. Craig has over 15 years of experience in cloud computing and distributed systems architecture.

AWS branded background with text "Building national foundation models"

Building national foundation models

This post examines real-world examples of successful national AI programs, explores the hidden economics that make AWS Cloud infrastructure essential, and discusses why cultural sovereignty matters as much as technical capability. Whether you’re planning a national AI strategy or evaluating infrastructure options, these lessons from global leaders will help you avoid common pitfalls and focus resources where they matter most.