The role of universities in the European Union’s ambitions for AI

The use of AI in research has grown rapidly, offering significant potential to enhance our understanding of the world. In this context, it is very welcome that the European Commission is focusing on research as a priority for its AI policies.

In this response to a public consultation for a European strategy for AI in science, the European University Association highlights the importance of equitable access to AI infrastructure. A distributed approach with transparent access modes, such as competitive project calls, is necessary to ensure fair access for researchers and their partners.

Moreover, while the need for private investment is undeniable, it is important that research-related activities are financed through core public funding. Given the importance of AI for the future of research in general, enough additional public funding needs to be available in a way that is equitably accessible to researchers to ensure that commercial interests are balanced with public interest and blue-sky research.

In addition, the academic community should lead in defining approaches and needs for large-scale AI infrastructure, ensuring access is based the excellence of proposals. It is also important that European values and sovereignty are integral to the EU’s AI strategy, with oversight mechanisms to uphold ethical principles.

Finally, data and Open Science are critical. The AI strategy must work together with the Data Union Strategy and prevent commercial interests from restricting data access. Initiatives should provide added value for Europe, promoting public trust and fostering discussions on ethics and integrity.

The role of universities in the European Union’s ambitions for AI

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