Germany has set its sights on embracing European artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize its notoriously slow bureaucracy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognizes the great potential of AI in positioning Germany as a leader in this field. In pursuit of this goal, AI bosses, including the founder of Aleph Alpha, a European competitor to ChatGPT, were invited to a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Discussions centered around using AI technology to digitize the German government machine, which currently relies heavily on paper, pens, and fax machines.
Chancellor Scholz believes that AI could bring about a significant transformation in the way Germany utilizes digital tools. The government’s objective is not only to advance digitization but also to make these technological advances accessible for the country. The German AI Association, an industry body, called on the government to adopt a new mindset amidst what it perceives as a standstill in digital policy.
Aleph Alpha, which boasts a sovereign, European AI technology compliant with stringent EU data regulations, has become part of an AI park in western Germany, which aims to support German start-ups. The company’s AI model claims to be capable of verifying its output against factual information, addressing one of the concerns with AI bots like the American ChatGPT, which sometimes make factual errors.
Germany’s ambition is to incorporate European values into the growth of AI, a sentiment echoed by a government spokesperson. Plans are underway to revamp the health system using AI technology. The AI park has received a €50 million ($54 million) investment from the foundation owned by Dieter Schwarz, the founder of the Lidl supermarket chain.
Chancellor Scholz highlighted that many researchers and start-ups in the field of AI come from Germany. He vows to bring a new German speed to government policies. The German government has promised a digital decade, including initiatives such as digitizing health records, connecting half of the households to fiber-optic internet, and implementing a virtual ID for accessing government services.
The United Kingdom also aspires to be an AI leader, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak planning a November summit on the topic at Bletchley Park, renowned for its code-breaking efforts during World War II. As Germany and the UK compete to establish themselves as AI powerhouses, both countries are taking significant steps to leverage the potential benefits of AI technology.
In conclusion, Germany aims to modernize its bureaucracy by harnessing AI technology made in Europe. With an emphasis on incorporating European values and complying with data regulations, Germany is determined to position itself as an AI leader. By digitizing processes and adopting AI tools, the German government hopes to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in a range of sectors.
