European governments are growing increasingly uncomfortable with the concentration of power in Silicon Valley. This discomfort stems from the fact that European companies are becoming downstream customers of the future, importing services and technology in exchange for money and data that is sent across the Atlantic. The disparity in values and beliefs between Silicon Valley and the EU further exacerbates these concerns, as does the looming presence of AI as the engine of the next technological revolution.
In response to these fears of falling behind in the AI race, the European Commission issued an AI plan in 2018 that called for “AI made in Europe” to compete with tech giants in the US and China. However, the definition of AI sovereignty and what it entails remains hazy. Some believe it means standing up against Big Tech, while others interpret it as the need for European alternatives to dominate the AI space.
Challenges in EU Regulation
The EU’s AI Act, which is set to become law this summer, focuses heavily on regulating potential harms and privacy concerns associated with AI technology. However, some member states, particularly France, are wary that stringent regulation could hamper the growth of their emerging AI companies. French finance minister Bruno Le Maire stressed the importance of innovation preceding regulation and emphasized the need for European actors to master AI technology.
The complexities surrounding AI sovereignty and EU regulation have created competing priorities among member states. While the AI Act aims to make the EU a leader in trustworthy AI, countries like France have raised concerns about regulations stifling their AI ambitions. The need for European companies to have leeway in developing foundation models has also been a point of contention.
Elements Needed for AI Success
To compete in the AI space, Europe must possess key elements such as data, computing power, talent, and capital. While data is readily available and Europe boasts AI talent, the region often struggles to retain skilled individuals. Efforts are underway to bolster computing power through investments in high-performance computing resources and initiatives like “AI Factories” that provide startups access to supercomputers. However, accessing the capital required to fuel large AI projects remains a challenge, with the US far outpacing Europe in private investments in AI companies.
The European quest for AI sovereignty is fraught with challenges and competing priorities. While the region has the necessary components to compete in the AI space, such as data and talent, bridging the gap in computing power and capital investment remains a significant hurdle. As Europe grapples with regulatory concerns and the need to foster innovation, the path to AI sovereignty becomes increasingly complex and nuanced.
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