AI experts: Europe is lagging behind in artificial intelligence

Several AI experts warn that Europe is losing out to countries such as China and the United States when it comes to the development of artificial intelligence. They argue for a kind of CERN for AI.

That center should be named Claire, which stands for Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe. In a vision document, the initiators, including a professor from Leiden University and German and Norwegian researchers, write that the intention is to create a network of various research centers, with Claire acting as a ‘central hub’, and issues such as infrastructure and facilitates the exchange of knowledge. They want to follow the example of the European research center CERN. By this they mean a collaboration of researchers from all over Europe.

In the document, the initiators refer to investments that other countries are making in artificial intelligence, stating that Europe is lagging behind, including when it comes to investing in new talent. While the EU may have recently taken steps in the right direction by making funds available, more would be needed to ‘turn the tide’. They also point to an earlier, similar proposal for the establishment of a European research center under the name Ellis. That would further underline the need for action.

The Claire initiative is currently supported by approximately 600 signatories, including approximately 150 key supporters of AI research.