At a recent groundbreaking gathering hosted by ADAPT, the SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, at Trinity College Dublin, European leaders and innovators convened to explore the powerful, transformative potential of AI, and presented new insights in the race for technological supremacy and ethical governance.
Dragoş Tudorache MEP, the architect of the groundbreaking AI Act, delivered a keynote talk on ‘The Geopolitics of AI’ which centred on the EU's initiative to set a gold standard for AI regulation amid a global race for AI supremacy. He discussed how Europe could drive innovation while also creating a future where AI serves humanity's best interests.
Tudorache said: “With the passage of the AI Act, we now have a series of rules that will steer the development of technology around the world. We have forever nudged AI in a direction where humans are either at the centre, where fundamental rights are respected, and where, in the geopolitical struggle over values, democracy rests at the heart of technological progress.
"We must now start exporting these rules, vigorously, and we need to leverage our diplomacy, our foreign policy, our economic policy and strategic planning to ensure that the global AI race has our values at its core. This way, we will have a competitive advantage on the global stage.”
Titled 'Generative AI: From Research to Impact Across Domains', the conference welcomed government officials, international politicians, and state agency representatives, who engage with leading AI researchers, governance specialists, and innovative ADAPT startup founders spearheading advancements in the 'fourth industrial revolution'.
Key takeaways
- Geopolitical impact: The conference examines the EU's AI Act, exploring its profound implications for establishing global AI standards and effective AI regulation. Speakers emphasise the importance of creating robust frameworks that ensure AI technology is developed and utilised in ways that uphold democratic values and human rights while fostering international cooperation and competitiveness.
- Multidisciplinary insights: Leading experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, history, and human rights, discuss AI's transformative impact, showcasing groundbreaking advancements and the pressing need for collaborative approaches in addressing AI's societal implications.
- Innovation and ethics: Attendees discuss the critical importance of establishing ethical guidelines to navigate the complexities of AI innovation, ensuring that progress is aligned with societal values and human rights. This balanced approach is seen as vital for fostering sustainable and responsible AI development.
At the conference, attention will also be given to the newly formed EU AI Office, established by the European Commission’s Directorate General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). Tasked with implementing the EU's landmark AI Act, the AI Office aims to regulate the rapidly evolving technology based on risk assessment, ensuring robust governance of AI within the EU.
Higher education minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “Our mission must always be to make sure that generative AI contributes positively to society, driving progress, and helping us to tackle the greatest challenges of our time. Through strategic investments we are fostering groundbreaking advancements in generative AI and also positioning Ireland as a global leader in digital transformation.”
Dragoş Tudorache MEP and Professor John D Kelleher.
Professor John D Kelleher, director of ADAPT and chair of Artificial Intelligence at Trinity College Dublin, said: “ADAPT’s annual conference sets the benchmark for dialogue in AI technology and exemplifies our commitment to fostering responsible AI development that aligns with ethical standards and serves the greater good.
"Our goal, as always, is to ensure that the breakthroughs we achieve in AI not only advance the field but also translate into real-world benefits that enhance the quality of life and address pressing social challenges.”
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, deputy director general of Science Foundation Ireland, said: "AI has the potential to be hugely transformative in all walks of life, but it brings risks as well as opportunities. Fortunately, nothing about the future of AI is set in stone – it’s what governments and societies do today that will ensure AI supports the future we want tomorrow.
"A key component of setting this future direction is investing in the world-class research, knowledge and talent that will enable policymakers and politicians to make informed decisions and chart the way to a better future."
Declan McKibben, executive director at ADAPT, said: “By leveraging ADAPT's cutting-edge research and expertise, industry can accelerate the development of transformative technologies, foster economic growth, and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.”