News item | 07-11-2023 | 12:47
The journey to arrive at a vision of generative AI continues steadily. This happened, among other things, during two sector meetings with the themes of the economy and the labor market. During these meetings, policymakers from ministries, scientists, companies and other experts discussed the developments, opportunities and risks of generative AI in their sectors. Attention is also paid to the World AI Summit in Amsterdam and the Expedition Algorithms event in Amersfoort.
Sector meeting Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK)
What opportunities are there for generative AI in this economy? The participants tackled these and other questions during this meeting. Labor productivity and efficiency are expected to increase in various sectors. In healthcare, for example, the use of AI can contribute to reducing the administrative burden.
The Netherlands is a knowledge economy, with a highly developed workforce and a good digital infrastructure. That is seen as strength and as a challenge. This knowledge must remain in order, which means investing in education and continued attention to the Dutch business climate. This means that the Netherlands must remain attractive for knowledge and companies from abroad to establish themselves here.
It is important that small and medium-sized companies can also continue to participate in changes brought about by rapid technological developments. This means, for example, investing in the development of specific applications that can be used as a service in small and medium-sized companies.
In addition to the opportunities in the applications of generative AI, participants saw a major risk in our dependence on big tech companies that have the resources to develop innovative AI models and are located outside Europe. The EU is lagging behind when it comes to large models, while there is a need for a European eco-system that does justice to our values and standards. When asked what is needed for a future-proof Dutch economy, it was said that there is a need for clear frameworks and that these do not necessarily have to be new. It was also noted that guardrails are needed and that the course must be determined, but the Netherlands does not always have to be in the driver’s seat.
Sector meeting Social Affairs and Employment (SZW)
What impact does generative AI have on the labor market? A bank representative gave the example of their call center, where employees have recently been assisted by AI. One of the participants in the sector meeting states that work must be designed in such a way that people remain happy in their work. But does everyone always have a say? Can everyone come along in this new world? Can and does everyone still want to ‘learn for life’ if developments are moving so quickly?
Other risks also came up in the discussion. For example, what does generative AI mean for people in creative professions? What about intellectual property? Sustainability and our dependence on foreign countries are also discussed again. Now, if you want to store something in the cloud, you end up in the US or China.
There was also a need for a knowledge agenda and agreements with social organizations, and a Dutch and European course. According to another participant, it is a good perspective that the Netherlands can become the hub of sustainable AI models.
read here the article about this meeting.
World AI Summit
One of the largest meetings in the world in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) took place in Amsterdam in October. Hundreds of experts from all over the world gathered during the World AI Summit to talk and listen to new plans and ideas around AI and generative AI.
State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Alexandra van Huffelen kicked off the meeting with an important appeal:
“In close collaboration with experts and stakeholders from different sectors, we are developing a vision that will encompass a plethora of issues. Artificial intelligence in particular is a challenge that requires the efforts of international institutions. Such as the EU, Council of Europe and the United Nations. I truly believe that this challenge is all-encompassing, that we urgently need a coordinated approach at the highest level. Similar to the climate agreements.”
“What’s your first prompt?”
The Expedition Algorithms event took place in the same week as the World AI Summit. More than 200 professionals from various government organizations participated in an expedition during the event in Amersfoort on October 9. State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen opened the expedition and a councilor from the Municipality of Amersfoort talked about his own experience with algorithms. In addition, various sessions were organized in which speakers shared their experiences and knowledge. During the session ‘What is your first prompt?’ participants were introduced to the generative AI vision process. A prompt is a question or command that you give to a generative AI system, such as ChatGPT. Depending on the type of system, this provides an answer in text, image or sound. In addition to sharing experiences, the participants also actively worked on their practical wishes and needs regarding an AI application such as ChatGPT during the workshop.
read here more about this presentation.
An update every month on Rijksoverheid.nl
The vision on generative AI will be shared with the House of Representatives in early 2024. Based on the vision process on generative AI, an update on the developments and outcomes of the various meetings is posted every month on Rijksoverheid.nl. Would you also like to stay informed, participate in the discussion and give your opinion about generative AI? Then join the online community.
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