EU to boost public and private investment in artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging and transformative technology, and promises to deliver vast socio-economic changes to Europe. An increase in public and private investment in artificial intelligence and the establishment of legal and ethical frameworks supporting its development are both vital to ensuring that Europe can become a world leader in the implementation of AI. The commission has proposed a three-pronged approach, which includes boosting public and private investment in artificial intelligence, including the investment of €1.5bn before 2020 from the Horizon 2020 framework programme. This is expected to mobilise €2.5bn in additional funding from existing public-private partnerships. Other facets of the approach include preparing for socio-economic changes that artificial intelligence will bring, and ensuring the establishment of an appropriate ethical and legal framework, to anticipate concerns related to liability or decision making.