European Universities Warn of AI Lag, Call for Strategic Action

By Ezra November 23, 2024
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Brussels, Belgium – Top European universities have raised concerns about the continent falling behind in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, urging institutions and policymakers to prioritise AI in research strategies and investments.

The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities published a position paper on 19 November, highlighting the urgent need for European institutions to adopt AI as a core research method and societal tool. The paper warns that Europe risks losing its competitive edge in AI due to limited EU backing and insufficient integration of European language data in AI systems.

Jan Palmowski, Secretary General of The Guild, emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach, stating, “A holistic strategy is crucial to ensure Europe’s leadership in AI and its applications for groundbreaking knowledge.” Palmowski called for closer alignment between universities, funders, and governments to propel AI advancements.

The paper also advocated for using AI in cross-disciplinary research, particularly in STEM fields, and improving infrastructure such as computing capabilities and data accessibility. It highlighted the need for enhanced training for researchers and optimised institutional strategies to better integrate AI into academic and operational processes.

Recent efforts, such as the EU’s Alliance for Language Technologies (ALT-EDIC), aim to improve the representation of European languages in AI engines, ensuring Europe remains a key player in AI development. However, the paper stressed that more robust support from EU financiers and policymakers is essential.

As Europe seeks to maintain its global competitiveness in AI, this call to action underscores the importance of aligning research, education, and funding strategies to secure the continent’s position as a leader in technological innovation.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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