What’s the major difference when discussing AI outside Europe? The entire focus and dynamic of the conversation shifts! Over the past month, I’ve had the honor of speaking at several international events, most recently in Malaysia. The discussions there were enlightening—centered around the vast opportunities that new technologies, including AI, can bring. And yes, while acknowledging the risks is essential, this experience reinforced a crucial insight: it’s possible to pursue ambitious visions for societal progress while staying mindful of the challenges. Perhaps it’s time for Europe to embrace this dual mindset—one that fosters big aspirations for the future while remaining conscious of the potential pitfalls. Let’s push for bold, forward-thinking conversations that acknowledge both innovation and responsibility. Ahmad Firdaus Dr. Allison Fisher Michael Schemel Dr. David Ng Björn Götzfried, MBA Michael Panchenko Kristian Klemon Dr. Donald Leonhard-MacDonald Dr. Annette Leonhard-MacDonald Neurinos GmbH Sebastian Deubelli Markus Wahle Kai-Heinrich Schlachter Christoph Gerlinger
An exciting look at the different approaches in the AI debate! While in many regions, the main focus is on the opportunities and potential of AI, I believe that in Europe, we also follow that dual approach. However, ours is traditionally more focused on caution, regulation, and risk awareness, as you can see in the fact that there is an AI-act already. In my opinion this has been the "European way" for a very long time in different areas. However, in my daily work I do see many projects successfully maintaining a balance between great innovation and a responsible approach especially to legal issues. I don’t think we will ever be able to keep pace with those who focus exclusively on opportunities and technological progress and only are mindful of the risks and challenges. Especially if we don't want AI to eat content, creatives and copyright, we have to actively address these risks and challenges, just as we do with the opportunities, even if it’s certainly less fun 😉
Just on an emotional level, the statement "Europe regulates while others build" rings through most conversations I had in the last years. I really hope we can come back to the building culture, full of incentives for innovation, experimentation and growth. I also hope to be able to contribute to an ambitious back-to-building movement myself.
AI Ethicist | Professor of Ethics | Ethics Sherpa and Consultant | International Public Speaker
1moI totally share your point Dr. Denise Vandeweijer. I'm myself experiencing the same thing talking about ethics all around the world. I would go even further than a dual mindset stance: we should consider the vast variety of approaches rooted in cultural and contextual settings. It is not a dual mindset, but a multi-dimensional mindset that we should embrace. I am dreaming out loud...