On 8 July, the Commission held the first meeting of the expert group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data in education and training. The expert group is part of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027), which will further promote understanding of the use of emerging technologies and raise awareness about the opportunities and risks of using AI and data in education and training. The 25 experts, selected via an open call, are to prepare ethical guidelines on AI and data targeting specifically the education and training sector. Acknowledging the potential and risks of AI technologies and data, the group will tackle challenges related to non-discrimination as well as ethical, security, and privacy concerns.

It will also address the pressing need for educators and students to have a basic understanding of AI and data usage to engage positively, critically, and ethically with this technology. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Artificial intelligence and learning analytics are game-changing technologies. They are revolutionising the way students learn. At the same time, many educators, parents, and students are understandably worried about who collects, controls, and interprets the data generated about them. This is where our new expert group comes in: their work will be instrumental to prepare practical ethical guidelines for educators, addressing for example biases in decision-making.

"The meeting was an important step towards implementing our Digital Education Action Plan – together we will ensure that AI meets real educational needs and is used safely and ethically by learners and educators across Europe.”

The meeting was the first of four to take place over the next 12 months. The guidelines, to be presented in September 2022, will be accompanied by a training programme for researchers and students on the ethical aspects of AI, and include a target of 45% of female participation in activities. The group will also make sure that the guidelines take into account the Commission's April 2021 proposal for AI legal framework and new Co-ordinated Plan with member states. Information about the launch and the work programme of the expert group is available online, further information on AI and education is available here.

On Wednesday (23 April) the European Commission presented new rules and actions aiming to turn Europe into the global hub for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). The first-ever legal framework on AI aims to guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses, while strengthening AI uptake, investment and innovation across the EU. 

A Europe fit for the Digital Age Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: “On artificial intelligence, trust is a must, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted. By setting the standards, we can pave the way to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way. Future-proof and innovation-friendly, our rules will intervene where strictly needed: when the safety and fundamental rights of EU citizens are at stake.”

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “AI is a means, not an end. It has been around for decades but has reached new capacities fueled by computing power. Today's proposals aim to strengthen Europe's position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market, ensure that AI in Europe respects our values and rules, and harness the potential of AI for industrial use.” 

We spoke to Jan-Philipp Beck, CEO of EIT Health a ‘knowledge and innovation community’ (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). EIT Health has urged European healthcare providers to embrace AI and technology after the pandemic highlights fragility of healthcare systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated adoption of AI in some areas, but broad impact remains sparse. EIT Health argues that advances in AI and technology can be of immense benefit to current healthcare systems and allow front-line workers to spend more time on patient care. A joint EIT Health and McKinsey report argues that AI automation could help alleviate workforce shortages, accelerate the research and developments of life-saving treatments, and help reduce the time spent on administrative tasks. Activities that currently occupy between 20-80% of doctor and nurse time could be streamlined or even eliminated by using AI.

EIT Health has launched a new AI report, outlining the urgent need for a post-pandemic technological revolution to prevent EU health systems from struggling over the next decade.

Jan-Philipp Beck said: “The outcomes of the AI think tank report has given us clear and consistent messages on how to drive AI and technology forward within European healthcare systems. We already know that AI has the potential to transform healthcare, but we need to work quickly and collaboratively to build it into current European healthcare structures.

“The challenge of the pandemic has undoubtedly helped accelerate growth, adoption and scaling of AI, as stakeholders have fought to deliver care both rapidly and remotely. However, this momentum needs to be maintained to ensure that benefits to healthcare systems are embedded long-term and help them to prepare for the future – something which will benefit all of us.”

The Commission proposes new rules and actions aiming to turn Europe into the global hub for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). The combination of the first-ever legal framework on AI and a new Coordinated Plan with Member States will guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses, while strengthening AI uptake, investment and innovation across the EU. New rules on Machinery will complement this approach by adapting safety rules to increase users' trust in the new, versatile generation of products. A Europe fit for the Digital Age Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: “On Artificial Intelligence, trust is a must, not a nice to have. With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted. By setting the standards, we can pave the way to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way. Future-proof and innovation-friendly, our rules will intervene where strictly needed: when the safety and fundamental rights of EU citizens are at stake.” Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “AI is a means, not an end. It has been around for decades but has reached new capacities fueled by computing power. This offers immense potential in areas as diverse as health, transport, energy, agriculture, tourism or cyber security. It also presents a number of risks. Today's proposals aim to strengthen Europe's position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market, ensure that AI in Europe respects our values and rules, and harness the potential of AI for industrial use.” For years, the Commission has been facilitating and enhancing cooperation on AI across the EU to boost its competitiveness and ensure trust based on EU values. The new AI regulation will make sure that Europeans can trust what AI has to offer. Proportionate and flexible rules will address the specific risks posed by AI systems and set the highest standard worldwide. The Coordinated Plan outlines the necessary policy changes and investment at member states level to strengthen Europe's leading position in the development of human-centric, sustainable, secure, inclusive and trustworthy AI. You will find more information on the press release, Q&A document and factpage, or by asking the chatbot.