The EU has unveiled its 2 billion euro (£17 billion) plan to establish new sites in Europe with powerful supercomputers for developing next-generation artificial intelligence models. This initiative also paves the way for potential amendments to groundbreaking technology regulations.
In her publication “Strategies to transform Europe into an AI continent”, Vice President of the European Commission, Henna Wilkunen, emphasized that technology plays a critical role in enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, safety, and technological independence. She stated that “the global AI race is far from over.”
Seeking to catch up with the US and China, the EU aims to enhance various sectors such as e-commerce, autonomous vehicles, text generation, and other technologies crucial for future healthcare, security, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
The US currently leads globally in AI development, with a recent report from Stanford University suggesting that US institutions produced 40 significant AI models by 2024.
Another report from Stanford highlighted that no EU country ranked in the top five for AI vibrancy, with the UK coming in third, behind the US and China. France ranked sixth and Germany eighth in terms of private investment, patents, and research in AI.
The EU’s plan involves constructing 13 AI factories equipped with supercomputers and data centers for researchers to work on AI models. These new AI “GigaFactories” will focus on innovation in healthcare, biotechnology, industrial applications, robotics, and scientific advancements.
The most advanced AI factory will feature up to 25,000 cutting-edge AI processors, with plans for GigaFactories to scale up to over 100,000 AI processors. The EU aims to power these facilities with green energy sources and sustainable water usage.
To fund these projects, the EU plans to establish 3-5 AI GigaFactories at a cost of 3-500 million euros each, with public funding and support from the European Investment Bank. The EU is also exploring the development of advanced chips critical for European-made AI semiconductors.
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Despite criticism, the EU committee is considering potential changes to AI regulations to alleviate concerns about economic growth. The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) urges the committee to focus on enforcing existing AI laws to protect consumers.
Virkkunen expressed the committee’s dedication to a risk-based approach and the core principles of the AI Act while exploring opportunities to streamline administrative burdens. The EU remains committed to maintaining its competitive edge in AI development.
Source: www.theguardian.com