Europe: €20 Billion for Local AI by 2030

The European Commission plans to invest €20 billion by 2030 to support local AI models, as American dominance continues and the investment gap widens. European companies expect gains in local relevance and compliance, while experts point to challenges in coordination and standardization to avoid fragmentation.

Challenges of Cooperation and Standardization

Experts highlight the difficulties in developing and deploying European AI models at scale. They emphasize the importance of close collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions, as well as the need for common rules and standards to prevent market fragmentation. The prospect of an autonomous Europe in AI also raises questions about global competition, in a sector still dominated by China and the United States, where Europe must assert itself as a key player. The coming months and years are deemed crucial for assessing the effectiveness of this coordination.

A European Plan to Support Local AI

The European Commission plans to invest €20 billion by 2030 to support AI development. This plan emphasizes research, innovation, the creation of robust infrastructures to host and train local models, and collaboration between universities, start-ups, and large companies. The goal is to equip Europe with the necessary means to develop its own AI models.

Strong Demand for Adapted and Compliant Models

According to 80% of European companies, the presence of locally developed AI models is deemed essential to maintain their competitiveness and autonomy. Several start-ups and European groups believe that these models would be better suited to adapt to regional specificities and market-specific requirements. Models aligned with European values and regulations are seen as likely to provide a competitive advantage, particularly in terms of data protection and ethics. This strategy could also strengthen digital sovereignty and stimulate local innovation.

An Investment and Market Gap to Bridge

In 2023, American investments in AI approached $100 billion, compared to less than €20 billion for Europe. The global market remains dominated by a few major players, primarily American, while European dependence increases. Proponents of European models argue that they could transform the continent's technological landscape, create jobs, support business growth, and inspire other regions, contributing to a rebalancing of the global sector. The rapid pace of technological advancements is cited to underscore the urgency of action.