The International Center for Future Generations - ICFG

A "CERN for AI" could be Europe's path to global leadership in artificial intelligence. This ambitious project would pool resources across the continent, similar to the successful CERN model for physics research. Our new report breaks down the crucial components needed to make this a reality. Swipe through to explore how we can build a foundation for trustworthy AI development in Europe.

Was delighted to lead a workshop on policy comms for the bright Talos Network fellows yesterday. We spoke about how more and more organisations in Brussels are recognising the usefulness of hybrid marketing, strategic comms, and public affairs teams and why doing that work can be both rewarding and impactful. I also made sure to hammer home the critical importance of post-it notes when it comes to planning campaigns!

"CERN for AI" – New Report Available Now! Earlier this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set a bold vision for the EU to become a "global leader in AI innovation," placing the concept of a CERN for AI at the forefront of Europe’s tech policy agenda. Such an institution would require substantial investment, cutting-edge computational infrastructure, and world-class talent to create safe and trustworthy frontier-level AI models. But what would a CERN for AI actually look like? What essential components are needed, and what value could it bring to the EU? Our new report explores these questions in depth. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e4bNaiK8 This report was authored by our AI team members: Daan Juijn, Bálint Pataki, Alexander Petropoulos, and Max Reddel. We also extend our sincere thanks to our reviewers, whose extensive feedback was invaluable: Aaron Maniam, Roxana Radu, Robert Praas, and Cynthia Scharf.

Emerging technologies need legislative oversight. We cannot simply wait until they hit the market and only then figure out their impacts - the EU needs to start addressing them now. That is why we opened up in Brussels: to support decision makers with independent, policy-oriented research and analysis. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ecEd_QgZ

⚛ Join our Quantum Technologies event on September 11! In a hybrid conference organised by Euractiv, we are convening with experts in Brussels to discuss: - How can the EU compete at a global level when it comes to developing, deploying, and regulating quantum technologies responsibly? - What role can quantum technologies play in tackling global challenges, including climate change, disease, and poverty? - What policy developments could be expected in the next EU mandate to ensure new technologies are deployed in the most efficient and secure manner? - What is needed for sensible governance of quantum technologies, given the limited knowledge and understanding we have so far about quantum? Seats are filling up fast - register below 👇

The International Center for Future Generations - ICFG is seeking request for proposals (RFP) for the development of a comprehensive risk assessment methodology to evaluate the potential threats posed by man-made pathogens in the context of deliberate or accidental release. This project aims to address the evolving biosecurity landscape challenged by the accelerated convergence of technological advancements observed in artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic biology. We are looking for institutional, academic, non-profit organisation partners to collaborate with us in order to bring this project to success. https://lnkd.in/ecPgFdEw #biosecurity #AI #pandemic #biotechnology

Bálint Pataki of The International Center for Future Generations - ICFG argues that Europe stands at a crossroads in supporting AI development. Rather than half-heartedly chasing general-purpose AI like ChatGPT, the EU should create a CERN-like European AI Research Council, leverage strengths in domain-specific AI, and build a robust AI assurance industry. By focusing on these areas, Europe can secure its place in the global AI ecosystem. #Europe #AI #Innovation

Thrilled to have participated in the 🌍 European Forum Alpbach 2024, where I had the opportunity to speak on a panel focused on “Harnessing AI in the Service of Democracy” as part of the 🏛️ Democracy and Rule of Law track. As AI continues to revolutionize our world, its potential to enhance democratic processes is immense. However, we must ensure that the AI models we develop are safe, reliable, and aligned with the public good. During our discussion, I emphasized that this alignment is currently at risk due to the misaligned incentives of the private sector, which is often in a race to deploy AI systems without fully considering safety. To address this, I highlighted the concept of a 🌐 CERN for AI. This dedicated global institution could lead the way in developing AI technologies with the right incentives and a focus on the public good. Such an institution could be a game changer in ensuring that AI is harnessed in a way that truly serves democracy. Grateful to have been part of this critical conversation with Ana📚 Simic, Katja Mayer, Vasiliki Kotsikopoulou, Cédric Villani, and many more people in the room! Looking forward to continuing the dialogue on how we can collectively shape the future of AI for the betterment of society. 🤝 #EFA24 #AdvancedAI #Democracy #CERNforAI https://lnkd.in/dGvGYAEy

With a budget of nearly €100 billion, #HorizonEurope is one of the EU’s most significant R&I programs, playing a crucial role in shaping Europe’s future markets. Our submission to the European Commission’s High Level Group for the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe focuses on three key aspects: 1. Future-Oriented Priorities: Advocate for systematic foresight in R&I, ensuring investments are inclusive and cover the entire innovation cycle. 2. Multidisciplinary and Policy-Focused Collaboration: Break down silos by promoting networked research and enhancing the integration of research findings into EU policy. 3. Safe and Democratic Innovation: Ensure Horizon Europe advances technologies that are safe, equitable, and governed democratically. Read our submission here👇

Climate change is increasingly recognised as a threat multiplier in the realms of international relations and security. This report by the United States Department of Defense is another reminder of this. But it offers more as there are three key takeaways: 1. It points out the increasingly obvious – climate may directly cause suffering but also exacerbate the probability and severity of conflicts. 2. It points to gaps in the capabilities of anticipating regional climate impacts and asks for a rapid and systematic improvement in regional modelling capabilities. 3. It declares the urgent need for collaborative monitoring of the atmospheric baseline and potential climate interventions. On the first, the summary states: "Climate change may result in new dimensions of conflict and opportunities for influence. Resource scarcity and contested access to essential resources (e.g., food, water, energy) could contribute to more frequent and complex regional instability, conflict, and possibly mass migration, particularly in regions with low adaptive capacity." On the second it prominently declares that "presently, no single entity in the DoD orchestrates the baseline activity to understand and anticipate the impacts of climate change at the regional scale. To be effective in this future environment, DoD must create a climate planning cell and engage the U.S. interagency in climate situational awareness, modelling, and decision-support." I strongly hope (and will work to ensure) this call reverberates not only in the halls of military institutions but those focussed directly on the well-being and integrity of people and the planet. On the third, it asserts that "a program to measure stratospheric aerosols and particulates is also needed to improve atmospheric modelling and prevent strategic surprise. This program should provide a capability for the widespread measurement of atmospheric aerosols and particulates to ensure that an adversary cannot be positioned for strategic surprise in executing unilateral climate interaction action." And it calls for developing an "Allied ability to detect". That last one is new: The ICFG team sees an important no-regret governance opportunity in *cooperative monitoring* – making sure decision-makers and the public are informed of any tests and rendering clandestine and unilateral action unattractive or impossible.