While it may not win the race to create AI models, Europe can play a key role in implementing them, experts stressed during a discussion focusing on the strategic opportunities and threats related to the development of artificial intelligence in the European context.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a key field of global economic and technological competition. The question of whether Europe can keep up with leaders such as the United States or China is gaining importance not only in the context of innovation, but also digital sovereignty and competitiveness of the entire region. The need to develop a coherent strategy of action – from investment to regulation – was the axis of the debate “AI race: will Europe keep up with global leaders?” held during Impact'25. The discussion was moderated by Joanna Bekker from Polityka Insight.
The Global Race for AI
Experts agreed that Europe faces serious challenges in the context of the global technological race in the field of artificial intelligence. They pointed to differences in the level of investment and efficiency of implementing innovations between Europe and the United States.
– The $500 billion is not the US government's money, but the capital of private investors who are involved in AI development every day. In Europe, the European Commission will allocate EUR 200 billion for this purpose. This causes delays. The efficiency and effectiveness of using funds in the US is greater than
in the EU – noted Jarosław Mikos, President of Comarch.
Experts also stressed that Europe may not have a chance in technological competition, but it has the potential to implement and adapt AI.
– We are taking part in two races. The first is about the technology itself – and to be honest, I don't believe we have a chance to win it. The second, and in my opinion more important, is the race for implementation and adaptation – and we can win this one, even though we are starting late – said Maciej Gozdowski, Group Vice President, Warner Bros. Discovery.
The issue of user security also came up in the discussion. Experts stressed that Europe, using mainly technologies developed in the US and China, must ensure the protection of citizens through an appropriate regulatory framework.
– When it comes to security, we are so immersed in the IT ecosystem that it is hard to imagine technological sovereignty in Europe today. Starting from infrastructure, through semiconductor production, ending with chips – we do not have all these elements locally. However, we can take care of security in a different way, for example through appropriate regulations, e.g. regarding the protection of sensitive data – emphasized Jarosław Mikos.
Opportunities for Europe
Despite the challenges, experts see areas where Europe can play a significant role in the development of AI, especially in the context of technology implementation.
– Let's remember that artificial intelligence is not just a running competition. When we talk about it, we usually focus on language models, such as ChatGPT – here Europe has no chance of catching up. However, there are many areas where artificial intelligence is used, such as production, machine learning, hardware-based innovations. In these areas, we have the opportunity to develop European solutions, based on our scientists – said Rafał Rudziński, President, Bosch Polska.
The importance of education and awareness among entrepreneurs in the context of AI implementation was also emphasized.
– Implementing artificial intelligence is a huge educational effort. We need to ask ourselves: what is AI supposed to be used for? After all, it is not just to get excited about this technology, but to improve efficiency, productivity, and the quality of human life. In this respect, entrepreneurs must put in a lot of effort to keep up with the processes of implementing this technology – explained Jarosław Mikos.
Experts drew attention to the importance of regulations in the context of AI development, emphasizing their role in protecting society.
– The word “regulations” has negative connotations for many people, because they often delay development. However, we must remember that their purpose is to protect society from various threats. For example, the European AI Act contains smart regulations, including those concerning marking content generated by AI – noted Maciej Gozdowski.
During the panel, experts emphasized the importance of content and applications in the context of the use of AI technologies.
– We use phones manufactured in China, designed in the US, but it is the content and functionality – the applications and the way we use them – that are crucial. We have a huge market of users, so how we implement these solutions locally will have a decisive influence – summed up Maciej Gozdowski.
The publication partner is COMARCH
