The European Commission has announced an ambitious plan to strengthen Europe’s role in the development of Artificial Intelligence, with a series of targeted initiatives aimed at boosting the continent’s technological competitiveness. At the heart of the initiative are substantial funding programs and a streamlined regulatory framework to support innovation. The strategy revolves around five key areas: the creation of advanced technological infrastructure, enhanced data use and management, the development of AI solutions for strategic sectors, the attraction of specialized talent, and the simplification of regulatory processes. The goal is to transform Europe’s digital landscape by encouraging the adoption and experimentation of new technologies across all sectors, from manufacturing to public services. One of the most significant actions involves reinforcing existing “Artificial Intelligence factories”—centers where startups and researchers can access cutting-edge infrastructure to develop AI algorithms. These will be complemented by new “Gigafactories” with even greater computing power. To support this effort, the Commission will launch calls for public-private consortia, aiming to mobilize up to €20 billion through the InvestAI initiative. A new European law is also in the works to incentivize the development of Cloud and digital infrastructures, with a mid-term goal to triple the capacity of EU data centers within five to seven years, prioritizing sustainability. Data availability will be another essential pillar. The EU plans to establish new labs to collect and process data generated by various AI structures. This approach will form the basis of the upcoming European Data Union strategy, set to launch in 2025. AI applications in key economic sectors will also receive a boost through the launch of the “Apply AI” strategy. The initiative will involve innovation centers, businesses, and public entities with the goal of expanding AI adoption beyond its current concentration in services and ICT. To build a solid foundation of skills, the Commission is focusing on creating a new European AI Academy, implementing facilitated immigration pathways for highly qualified workers from third countries, and launching reskilling and upskilling programs for European citizens. Top researchers will be engaged in strategic projects to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. On the regulatory front, a dedicated Service Desk will be established to assist businesses in complying with the AI Act, aiming to simplify adherence to the new legal framework. Finally, the Commission has launched two public consultations, open until June 4, 2025: one on the development of Cloud and AI, and another on priorities for the innovation ecosystem in implementing the technology. A third consultation, focused on the European Data Union strategy, will begin in May.
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