“We’re in the midst of a digital revolution. There are 28 million of us in the Nordic Region, rising to 35 million if we include the Baltic countries, collectively making us the 10th largest economy in the world. We have a unique foundation for shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI),” writes Secretary General Karen Ellemann.
Our success should be measured by how we go about this in a way that not only benefits our own societies but that also contributes to setting global standards. The development of AI is progressing rapidly and affecting many sectors. That’s why it’s critical that we, as a region with strong democratic values and a high level of trust in our institutions, take a leading role in this development.
A region with a unique foundation
Our region has long been known for being at the forefront of digital innovation. We have a dynamic technological ecosystem, world-class research within the field of AI, and a well-educated population. Purpose-driven innovation with a human-centred approach, where democratic values and shared social responsibility are fundamental principles, has characterised our region. Not only does this give us the opportunity to lead the development of responsible AI but also a duty to do so.
Less than a year ago, the Nordic prime ministers signed the declaration on Nordic digital resilience. The declaration emphasises that our highly digitalised societies and shared values put us in a unique position to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities that AI brings. Co-operation across borders and sectors is crucial in harnessing this potential. The first steps have already been taken with the preliminary project for a New Nordics AI centre, which builds on recommendations from the Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group.
While AI has enormous potential, there are also significant challenges, such as access to talent and expertise. Even now we’re experiencing a shortage of specialists in AI, and the need for advanced data knowledge is greater than ever. The education sector must be adapted to meet these needs, while we also need to ensure diversity in AI expertise in terms of gender, ethnicity, and background.
Another critical factor is data. Although our region has high-quality datasets in both the public and private sectors, there are significant technical and legal barriers that hinder the effective sharing and application of data across borders. To scale AI solutions and maximise their potential, we must strengthen co-operation on secure data sharing and ensure a sustainable AI infrastructure that supports innovation without undermining our ambitious climate goals.
The new EU legislation for AI already imposes strict regulatory requirements. That’s why it’s important that the implementation in the Nordic Region is harmonised while avoiding overregulation that could stifle innovation. AI can succeed only if it’s responsible and transparent, which means we must have robust and democratic frameworks in place.
A shared vision for 2030
We’re seeking to bring about a Nordic AI vision for 2030, whereby our region is a world leader in large-scale AI adoption, with tangible benefits for both citizens and businesses. We should excel at using responsible AI to strengthen our companies’ global competitiveness, improve public services, make new scientific breakthroughs, accelerate the green transition, and maintain cybersecurity and resilience in our democratic societies.
The proposal for such a vision was discussed on Friday 30 August, when high-level decision-makers from the private and public sectors met with Nordic and Baltic ministers in Copenhagen. What the outcome will be remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the Nordic Council of Ministers is proud to be a platform for close co-operation across sectors and borders. We must promote innovation, ensure access to necessary expertise, and develop an AI infrastructure that’s both efficient and sustainable. This is an enormous challenge but also a unique opportunity for our region to lead the global AI revolution.
Let’s take responsibility and ensure that the Nordic-Baltic region leads by example in how AI can be developed and used in a way that benefits both society and humanity as a whole. Together, we can shape the future.
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