The United States Department of State and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) of the European Commission signed an “Administrative Arrangement on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good” at a virtual ceremony held simultaneously on 27 January 2023 at the White House in Washington DC and in DG CONNECT, Brussels.
Roberto Viola, Director General of DG CONNECT signing the “Administrative Arrangement on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good”
The agreement builds upon the principles expressed in the Declaration for the Future of the Internet and the shared interests and values of using emerging digital technologies to address global challenges. The agreement will be implemented by relevant US and EU institutions and agencies working in this area.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said:
Today, we are strengthening our cooperation with the US on artificial intelligence and computing to address global challenges, from climate change to natural disasters. Based on common values and interests, EU and US researchers will join forces to develop societal applications of AI and will work with other international partners for a truly global impact.
Increased collaboration on research will help identify and further develop promising AI research results that have the potential for broad societal benefits in areas ranging from climate change, natural disasters, health and medicine, electric grid optimisation to agriculture.
Extreme weather and natural disasters such as floods or fires are becoming more common and destructive across the globe and AI will play an increasingly important role for prediction and simulation, which will help for disaster preparedness and emergency response. AI research and computing also has the potential to greatly improve crop yields, efficiency and sustainability thanks to analysis and modelling of natural conditions such as soil and atmospheric conditions, bird and insect trends, as well as planting, irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer use and harvesting cycles. AI is already boosting medical research, diagnostics and treatment and while the recent pandemic has reinforced the need for a truly global approach, it has also highlighted the divide between countries.
Most importantly, to reduce this divide, this agreement will also aim to share findings and resources with international partners that share common values but lack relevant capabilities to help them manage such emergencies and challenges.