The Greek government has announced the establishment of an advisory committee to develop a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) in Greece. Greek Prime Minister Kryiakos Mitsotakis made the announcement on October 19, citing the exponential pace of AI development as the driving force behind the need for such a strategy.
The purpose of the advisory committee is to prepare Greece for the advancements and applications of AI technology. Mitsotakis emphasized that this is not a vision for the future but a present reality that needs to be organized and managed effectively.
Constantinos Daskalakis, a professor of computer science at MIT, will lead the committee, which comprises professionals from various fields related to AI, including technology, ethics, law, and science. The committee also includes Greek researchers and scientists who are part of the diaspora living outside Greece.
One of the key objectives of the advisory committee is to formulate policy recommendations and create guidelines for a long-term national AI strategy. This strategy will encompass considerations of the impact of AI on the economy and society, improving productivity, fostering innovation, and strengthening local infrastructure, among other factors.
Notably, Greece is one of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) that will be subject to the forthcoming EU AI Act. This legislation, currently being developed by EU officials, aims to regulate AI technology and its applications in a comprehensive manner.
In October, EU officials hinted at the possibility of implementing even more restrictive regulations for large AI models. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s Llama 2 were specifically mentioned as examples of models that could face increased scrutiny and oversight.
By establishing the advisory committee and formulating a national AI strategy, Greece aims to position itself as an active participant in the global AI landscape. Efforts will be made to ensure that Greece becomes a member of international initiatives for AI development, such as those organized by the International Organization of Artificial Intelligence.
The Greek government recognizes the transformative potential of AI and aims to harness its benefits while mitigating potential risks and challenges. By prioritizing the development of comprehensive AI strategies, Greece seeks to create an environment conducive to the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies.
Furthermore, the Greek government understands the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the development of AI policies. The advisory committee’s composition reflects this emphasis, bringing together experts from various fields to provide a holistic and inclusive approach to AI strategy formulation.
The establishment of the advisory committee marks an important step for Greece in embracing AI as a key driver of economic growth and social progress. By proactively preparing for AI’s advancements, Greece aims to position itself at the forefront of AI technology adoption and innovation.
Ultimately, the success of Greece’s national AI strategy will depend on effective implementation and continuous monitoring of its objectives. With the advisory committee in place, Greece is poised to navigate the complex landscape of AI technology and maximize its potential for the benefit of its citizens and the broader global community.