Promoting excellence in the field of AI will strengthen Europe’s potential to face global competition

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative forces of the 21st century. Its applications span industries and sectors, from healthcare to agriculture, reshaping economies and societies. With predictions suggesting that AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, Europe finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The opportunity to lead the AI revolution is immense, but the risks of falling behind are equally real.

Europe has long been a leader in regulating technology through the introduction of the AI Act, the first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI. This ambitious legislation prioritizes the protection of fundamental rights, promoting the ethical use of AI while fostering innovation. It is designed to address AI’s potential to impact our personal lives, ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected while encouraging responsible technological advancement. The Act applies a risk-based approach, regulating high-risk AI systems more strictly while offering greater flexibility for low-risk applications. This regulatory leadership is vital to ensure that AI evolves in a way that aligns with European values of fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights.

However, the regulatory framework alone is not enough. For Europe to truly capitalize on AI’s potential, the continent must invest boldly in research, innovation, and infrastructure. Europe has yet to foster an AI ecosystem that can compete with global giants like the United States and China. While the EU has taken commendable steps, such as initiatives like EuroHPC, which aims to provide SMEs and start-ups with access to powerful computing resources, AI adoption across European businesses remains low. Less than 10% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe currently use AI. This gap needs to be closed through substantial investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, and access to cutting-edge technologies. Without these investments, Europe risks becoming a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere rather than a leader in their creation.

One key area where Europe can and must take the lead is in the development of AI models that reflect European values. While the U.S. and China dominate the AI landscape, Europe has the opportunity to promote technologies that prioritize transparency, privacy, and the protection of citizens’ rights. A key challenge will be ensuring that European AI development remains independent of non-European tech giants, reducing reliance on foreign technologies and promoting local solutions that are better suited to European needs.

Europe’s AI future must also be inclusive. At the heart of this mission lies the ability to integrate AI into key sectors like healthcare, public services, and infrastructure. These sectors not only stand to benefit most from AI’s transformative power but also present opportunities to tackle societal challenges, such as an aging population, climate change, and public health crises. By harnessing AI in these areas, Europe can improve productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and better meet the demands of its citizens.

In parallel, Europe must overcome some significant obstacles that could hinder its AI ambitions. Access to capital is one such challenge. Start-ups and SMEs in Europe face funding gaps that could limit their ability to scale innovative AI solutions. A greater focus on venture capital, government funding, and international partnerships is required to support the development of world-class AI companies. Moreover, Europe must address the shortage of digital skills in its workforce. A coordinated effort to expand digital education at all levels, from primary schools to universities, is essential for equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society will be essential for Europe’s success in AI. Governments must not only regulate but also lead by example, adopting AI technologies in public services while adhering to strict ethical standards. Poland’s initiative in creating an AI agency and its work on models like PLLuM is a prime example of how national governments can promote trust and innovation in AI. When citizens see governments adopting AI responsibly and effectively, their confidence in the technology grows, which in turn drives broader adoption across society.

Ethical questions surrounding AI, such as algorithmic biases, accountability, and transparency, must be at the forefront of Europe’s AI strategy. AI systems should be developed with mechanisms in place to detect and address biases, ensuring fairness in their applications. Governments, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to establish strong governance frameworks that guarantee accountability and maintain public trust in AI technologies.

In conclusion, Europe stands at a defining moment. It has the potential to lead the world in AI, setting global standards for ethical, transparent, and inclusive technology. But this opportunity will not be realized unless Europe invests decisively in AI infrastructure, innovation, and skills development, while balancing regulation with flexibility to encourage growth. The stakes are high, as AI will shape the future of economies, societies, and individual rights. Europe’s ambition must be matched by action, making AI a driver of collective progress and reinforcing Europe’s digital sovereignty. The time for bold steps is now; Europe must act to seize its place as a global leader in the AI revolution.

Editor-in-Chief 

Laurent ULMANN