In the context of increasing global competition in AI, the European Union has officially announced an unprecedented investment plan for artificial intelligence. Today, at the AI Action Summit in Paris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a grand initiative named "Invest AI," showcasing the EU's strong determination in the global AI competition.
This investment plan, totaling €200 billion, notably includes the establishment of a €20 billion European fund dedicated to building AI mega factories. This decision marks the EU's formal entry into large-scale AI production and research and development.
Image source note: Image generated by AI, image licensed by Midjourney
To ensure it does not fall behind in the global AI competition, the EU's Invest AI plan will deploy initiatives across several key areas. The plan will establish 12 AI research and development centers equipped with EuroHPC supercomputers. These centers will not only serve cutting-edge research but will also open AI infrastructure to startups and researchers, promoting deep integration of industry, academia, and research.
It is noteworthy that the EU's investment will focus on the development of AI in industrial applications and critical mission areas. This strategic choice indicates that the EU aims to carve out a uniquely European path in the AI field, seeking breakthroughs in fundamental research while also gaining a competitive edge in practical applications.
The launch of this substantial investment plan not only demonstrates the EU's determination to engage in healthy competition with the United States and China in the AI sector but also reflects that global AI development has entered a new phase of competition. The EU's move will undoubtedly inject new momentum into the global development of AI technology and reshape the landscape of the global AI industry.
