European Regions and AI: Empowering Citizens through Skills
23/09/2024
On 18th September 2024, the Tuscany Region EU Liaison Office in Brussels hosted an event titled “European Regions & the Progressive Uptake of AI: What Skills to Protect and Empower Citizens?”. This gathering, in collaboration with the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO), addressed the challenges and opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to European citizens, focusing on the essential skills needed to harness its potential.
The event kicked off with an opening session featuring key regional and EU representatives, including Stefano Ciuoffo, Regional Minister for Innovation and Digitalisation of the Tuscany Region, and speakers from the European Commission. Mr Ciuoffo explained that regions have the responsibility to help citizens to use AI and that AI offers risks and maybe job losses but it also brings many opportunities. A keynote speech by Professor Dino Pedreschi from the University of Pisa set the tone for the discussions. Prof. Pedreschi highlighted that our society needs machines that help humans to think and not the other way around. The ability to speak from machines doesn’t make them human-centred and Europe should promote augmented and not automated AI processes.
The roundtable discussion, explored critical questions:
- What new risks emerge with AI’s rise?
- Which skills are essential to navigate AI solutions?
- How can regions promote and develop these skills?
Participants engaged in brainstorming sessions and interacted with AI tools, providing a dynamic platform to discuss the growing skills gap in AI and cybersecurity across European regions.
The event’s discussions also aligned with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act published in August 2024. This regulatory framework seeks to ensure AI’s ethical and transparent development within Europe, protecting citizens from potential misuse while fostering innovation. The act emphasizes the importance of AI literacy, making this event’s focus on skill development even more timely.
After the roundtable, a networking cocktail provided an opportunity for policymakers, experts, and practitioners to exchange ideas, fostering collaboration to bridge the AI skills gap.
As AI continues to shape Europe’s future, regional initiatives like this one, aimed at educating and empowering citizens, are crucial to ensuring that AI remains a force for good.
