Google’s Call for Smarter AI Adoption in the EU

Amid increasing geopolitical challenges, Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, has urged the European Union to enhance its adoption of artificial intelligence through a more intelligent regulatory approach. This call comes amidst rising competition, particularly from China, which has shown significant success in integrating AI into its economy.

Limited AI Adoption in the European Union

Walker pointed out that the EU suffers from a lack of AI adoption, with the European Commission estimating adoption rates at only about 14%, compared to up to 83% in Chinese companies. This lag is attributed to a complex regulatory environment that makes it difficult for European companies to invest in this field.

Since 2019, more than a hundred new regulations targeting the digital economy have been issued in the EU, leading over 60% of European companies to consider legislation as the biggest obstacle to investment in the union.

The Economic Cost of New Regulations

According to a recent Danish government study, new regulations could impose additional costs of 124 billion euros annually on businesses and public administrations in Europe. This financial pressure hinders the adoption of new technologies like AI and negatively impacts the EU’s competitiveness.

Walker added that the EU’s single market suffers from internal fragmentation equivalent to a 45% tariff on goods and a 110% tariff on services, which hampers trade and innovation.

Google’s Strategy to Boost AI in Europe

Walker proposed a three-part strategy to restore the EU’s position in the AI field. This strategy begins with implementing smart policies that facilitate innovation and encourage AI adoption through workforce training and expanding innovation.

The first step requires simplifying AI regulations to support innovation, focusing on the real-world impacts of new technologies rather than imposing broad rules that hinder low-risk applications.

Building Skills and Trust to Enhance Adoption

The second part of the strategy involves equipping individuals and companies to use advanced AI tools. Walker cited the example of Google’s new AI models being up to 300 times more efficient than previous versions.

Walker emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to accelerate skill training, highlighting Google’s role in helping over 14 million Europeans learn digital skills. He also mentioned a 15 million euro AI Opportunity Fund to support vulnerable groups in acquiring basic AI knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walker highlights the urgent need for the EU to adopt AI in a way that fosters innovation and enables it to face global competition, especially from China. By reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing partnerships to advance research, the EU can enter a new era of growth and innovation in AI.