European Union's Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Correct Course or Deviation?

The Center for Data Innovation is set to host an event on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (CEST), with a focus on evaluating the EU AI white paper and its potential impact on European competitiveness and innovation in the algorithmic economy.

The event, to be held on Twitter with the hashtag #EUAIWhitePaper, will bring together policymakers, experts, and industry representatives to discuss the document, which outlines the European Commission's approach to developing and adopting AI.

One of the key speakers at the event will be Irina Orssich, Team leader AI in the Unit Technologies and Systems for Digitizing Industry at DG Connect, European Commission. She will be joined by Renaud Vedel, Prefect and Coordinator of France's national strategy for Artificial Intelligence at the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance, Janne Elvelid, Policy Manager EU Affairs at Facebook, and Kees van der Klauw, Coalition Manager at the Netherlands AI Coalition.

Eline Chivot, Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, will moderate the event. The discussion aims to assess the perspectives of these key figures on the EU AI white paper and gather feedback from stakeholders, which is expected to influence the ideas included in future EU AI legislation.

The EU AI white paper, a crucial document in the European Commission's strategy for AI, outlines initial policy options and emphasizes the strengthening of European technological leadership and strategic autonomy in AI. It highlights the need for extensive investments in digital technologies, new measures to reduce business costs, support for innovation and research, and the establishment of a regulatory framework that promotes competitive and responsible AI development across sectors.

In line with these objectives, the European Commission is planning to release a legislative proposal on AI in the first quarter of 2021. This forthcoming proposal is highly anticipated, as it is expected to shape the future of AI development within the EU.

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the event and provide their feedback on the EU AI white paper, helping to shape the direction of future EU AI legislation. The event promises to be a significant step towards ensuring responsible and innovative AI development within the European Union.