In our previous blog post “The EU’s AI Act and Medical Device Research,” we outlined the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) and three potential challenges that it currently poses for developers of AI-enabled medical devices. The topic of this blog post explores another key document published by the European Commission “White Paper On Artificial Intelligence – A European approach to excellence and trust,” which outlines a comprehensive strategy for AI in Europe, focusing on balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations and trust. This blog concludes by offering critical questions for future considerations of the EU’s vision for AI. The aim of this blog is to help readers better understand how to best align themselves with Europe’s vision for AI.
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
The European Parliament defines artificial intelligence (AI) as the ability of a machine to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning and creativity.1 AI enables technical systems to perceive their environment, deal with what they perceive, solve problems and act to achieve a specific goal.1 Moreover, they identify two different “types” of AI. The first being software, which includes virtual assistants, image analysis software, search engines, and speech and face recognition systems. The second type is “Embodied” AI, which includes robots, autonomous cars, drones, and Internet of Things.1
Europe’s Perspective on AI
Europe’s approach to AI is rooted in its core values and human rights, emphasizing human dignity and privacy. The European Commission’s strategy, as outlined in their white paper,2 focuses on a balanced regulatory and investment framework with dual goals: encouraging AI adoption and addressing related risks. By focusing on a human-centric, values-based approach, it aims to position Europe as a global leader in AI innovation.
Key Aspects of the European Strategy on AI2
- Trustworthiness and uptake: Europe’s economic growth and societal well-being increasingly depend on data value; AI is a vital application of the data economy, and Europe’s strong position in digitized industry and business-to-business applications offers new opportunities
- AI definition and importance: AI combines data, algorithms, and computing power; Europe aims to become a global leader in innovation in the data economy and its applications, benefiting citizens, businesses, and public interest
- Environmental consideration: AI’s impact on society must be considered, including its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and supporting democracy; the environmental impact of AI systems must be assessed throughout their life cycle
- A unified European strategy: A common European approach is essential to avoid fragmentation and legal uncertainty; the European strategy on AI2 presents policy options to enable trustworthy and secure AI development in Europe, respecting EU values and rights
Seizing Opportunities: The Next Data Wave
Europe’s weaker position in consumer applications and online platforms can be overcome by leveraging shifts in data value and re-use across sectors. Europe’s leadership in low-power electronics, quantum computing, and neuromorphic solutions offers significant potential.
Building an Ecosystem of Excellence
To support AI development and uptake across Europe, action is needed at multiple levels:
- Working with member states: A coordinated plan with member states aims to foster AI development and use in Europe, maximizing investment impact and aligning efforts
- Skills development: A strong focus on skills is essential to fill competence shortages; initiatives include enhancing AI skills in regulators, increasing awareness of AI in education, and attracting global talent
- Focus on small and medium size enterprises (SMEs): Ensuring that SMEs can access and use AI is vital; support includes strengthening digital innovation hubs, providing access to finance, and fostering collaboration
- Partnership with the private sector: Collaboration with the private sector is essential to set research and innovation agendas and provide co-investment
- Promoting AI adoption by the public sector: Rapid deployment of AI in public administrations, hospitals, and other areas of public interest is crucial
- Securing access to data and computing infrastructures: Complementary to the European data strategy, improving access to data and computing infrastructures is vital
Questions for Future Considerations
As Europe moves forward with its AI strategy, there are many key considerations that must be addressed to ensure the success of this vision. For example, while Europe emphasizes a human-centric, values-based approach to AI that underscores human dignity and privacy, it remains to be answered how might the prioritization of a human-centric approach to AI shape the future of technological advancements in Europe compared to regions with different priorities? This stance suggests the intertwining of technology with the intricacies of the human experience and ethics, prompting the exploration of how AI resonates with our deeper values, current societal structures, and collective aspirations. This then begs the question of how, in the face of global competition from tech giants located in the U.S. and China, can the EU ensure that it remains a key player in the AI domain by incentivizing both public and private sectors to invest in this approach to AI? While the EU emphasizes the need for a common European approach to AI to avoid fragmentation and legal uncertainty, how might fragmentation in AI policies and strategies across different countries or regions in the EU’s member states impact how investments are being channeled to ensure Europe remains globally collaborative, competitive, and innovative?
Conclusion
The European AI Act is an integral part of a broader strategy reflecting a dedication to excellence, trust, innovation, and adherence to European principles. Through a coordinated approach, the EU aspires to stimulate innovation in AI while safeguarding safety, transparency, and human rights, setting a global benchmark.
In this evolving landscape of global AI dynamics, the EU’s distinctive emphasis on harmonizing human values with technological innovation presents both challenges and opportunities. Balancing ethical imperatives with the exigencies of technological leadership will require a nuanced, multidimensional strategy. As Europe navigates this intricate path, its decisions will not only shape its own AI trajectory, but also influence the broader global discourse on the ethical, societal, and economic dimensions of artificial intelligence.
References
1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20200827STO85804/what-is-artificial-intelligence-and-how-is-it-used
2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0065&WT_mc_id=Twitter