TL;DR:
- EU lawmakers are taking measures to support generative AI startups and scale-ups.
- Generative AI models are seen as crucial for the EU’s future competitiveness.
- The “AI innovation package” includes high-performance computing infrastructure upgrades and access to talent.
- European supercomputers will be adapted for AI model training.
- Financial support for AI startups is expected to reach €4 billion by 2027.
- Initiatives like “AI Factories” and digital infrastructure consortiums aim to boost AI development.
- The EU is working on trustworthiness criteria for AI startups through the AI Pact.
- The EU’s commitment to AI innovation signals potential growth in the European AI market.
Main AI News:
In the realm of generative AI, the European Union is making a strategic move to bolster its position as a formidable player. Lawmakers within the EU are introducing a comprehensive set of support measures designed to empower domestic AI startups and scale-ups, setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive AI landscape.
Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI models capable of handling vast datasets and tasks such as natural language processing and content generation, is pivotal to the EU’s future competitiveness. However, EU officials acknowledge that they were caught off guard by the rapid emergence of generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While the EU boasts a network of high-performance supercomputers, historically geared toward scientific applications, these infrastructure resources are not optimized for training cutting-edge generative AI models. This deficiency has prompted EU lawmakers to take swift action.
Termed the “AI innovation package,” this policy initiative, recently endorsed by the Commission, aims to enhance Europe’s AI ecosystem through various interventions. Key aspects include bolstering high-performance computing infrastructure tailored for AI model training and ensuring access to the necessary skills and talent to drive AI innovation.
Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s digital chief, emphasized the importance of computing power in AI development, pledging to provide SMEs and startups with privileged access to the European supercomputer network. The EU is committed to fostering innovation with AI, laying the foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem on the continent.
Furthermore, the “AI Factories” initiative is on the horizon, combining the essential components for AI development, including computing power, data, algorithms, and talent. These AI Factories will serve as a one-stop shop for European AI startups, enabling them to create advanced AI models and industrial applications, solidifying Europe’s position as a hub for trustworthy AI.
To facilitate the much-needed upgrades, the EU plans to amend existing legislation related to high-performance supercomputer procurement, allowing for greater flexibility and capacity expansion. The goal is to double the capacity of existing supercomputers swiftly, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The AI Act, a nascent regulatory framework for AI, also plays a supportive role, focusing on fostering user trust in AI applications. However, the EU’s direct support measures for AI app developers, outlined in the “AI innovation package,” complement the AI Act. This approach aims to address the needs of AI startups more directly.
In addition to infrastructure enhancements, the EU is allocating extra financial support through programs like Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe initiative, specifically targeting generative AI. This investment is expected to generate significant public and private funding, amounting to approximately €4 billion by 2027.
To accelerate the development and deployment of the Common European Data Spaces, the EU is directing its support package toward the AI community. The “GenAI4EU” initiative is set to promote emerging AI applications across various industrial sectors and the public sector.
Furthermore, the establishment of European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums, focusing on language technologies and city planning, aims to address specific AI challenges and opportunities, enriching Europe’s linguistic diversity and urban planning capabilities.
In terms of trustworthiness, while the AI Act is still in draft form, the EU is working on a stop-gap code known as the AI Pact. This interim measure allows AI startups to signal their commitment to responsible AI development. Although there may be some disparities between the EU’s public pronouncements and the operational aspects of this program, it highlights the EU’s commitment to fostering trustworthy AI startups.
Conclusion:
The EU’s strategic efforts to support generative AI and innovation demonstrate its commitment to becoming a competitive player in the AI market. By enhancing infrastructure, providing resources, and fostering trust, the EU aims to create a thriving AI ecosystem, attracting startups and driving AI advancement on the continent. This proactive approach aligns with the growing importance of AI in the global market.
