Europe's ambition to compete in AI with the US and China

The atmosphere at the AI ​​Action Summit in Paris earlier this week was electrifying when French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the hexagonal country was "back in the AI ​​race".

Set goals to take action

The bold statement comes after Macron unveiled a $112.8 billion investment in AI in the country. But it also underscores Europe, led by France,’s desire to be part of a conversation around AI leadership and innovation that has so far been dominated by the US and China.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the hexagonal country is "back in the AI ​​race".

Last month, the US's $500 billion Stargate project announcement sent shockwaves around the world, followed by DeepSeek's AI model, which roiled financial markets and highlighted China's ability to catch up with US innovation.

Europe has long been seen by critics as a place where the tech industry is too tightly regulated to the detriment of innovation. While that image hasn't completely changed, some in the tech industry believe Europe is moving in the right direction.

"At least as a representative of the European region, we are starting to see global leaders emerging and that is what we really need. I think it's great that we are investing more in infrastructure and importantly that there is a political will to act," Victor Riparbelli, CEO of video AI company Synthesia, told CNBC.

There are several key players in Europe, from UK-based self-driving tech startup Wayve to OpenAI rival Mistral in France.

Europe at a "crossroads"

Last year, economist and politician Mario Draghi published a report calling for more investment in the European Union to boost competitiveness.

Europe is calling on its members to invest more in AI.

Draghi's report notes that there are innovative ideas, but startups "are unable to convert innovation into commercialization, and innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hampered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations."

Chris Lehane, director of global affairs at OpenAI, told CNBC that, based on the experience at the AI ​​Action Summit, there is tension between Europe at the EU level and the countries within it.

“You can feel that there is almost a fork in the road, maybe even tension right now between a Europe at the EU level that is looking at a rather more cautious and heavy-handed regulatory approach. And then some countries like France, Germany, the UK that are looking to go in a slightly different direction to embrace innovation,” said Mr. Lehane.

Previous AI summits, hosted by the UK and South Korea, have focused on safety around AI, but the Paris edition has shifted the focus, Mr Lehane said. “I think this conference, you’re starting to see changes, perhaps the bigger risk is missing the opportunity,” Mr Lehane added.

The AI ​​race is not over yet

However, the image of Europe as a burden on technology regulation remains unshaken.

CEO of telecommunications company Orange, Christel Heydemann.

The EU AI Act is the world's first major law governing artificial intelligence, which comes into effect in 2024. It has been criticised by companies as well as individual countries like France, who say it could stifle innovation.

“One of the metaphors I sometimes use is think of AI as a World Cup soccer match between the U.S. and China. And if all Europe is trying to do is be the referee, there are two problems. One is they never win, and two is no one really likes referees,” Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and an investor at venture capital firm Greylock, told CNBC.

Christel Heydemann, CEO of telecoms company Orange, believes there is too much regulation in Europe. That slows Europe down, especially when thinking about the potential of the regional market.

However, Ms. Heydemann struck an optimistic tone about Europe's stance on AI. "I don't think it's just a race between the US and China. In fact, the president of the European Commission has said very clearly that Europe wants to be an AI continent and the race is not over," Ms. Heydemann declared.

(Source: CNBC)

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/chau-au-tham-vong-chay-dua-ai-voi-my-va-trung-quoc-192250212191525508.htm