AI Act Versus AI Action
The European Union is struggling to regulate artificial intelligence. Following the surprising turnaround in the trilogue negotiations between the three European institutions—Council, Parliament and Commission—the outcome is once again open. For Jörg Hesselink, founder and CEO of DC Smarter, one thing is essential: Europe still needs room for maneuver for innovation. This is the only way to keep pace with global developments.
On a trip to Singapore, Hesselink discovered why the conditions for start-ups in Southeast Asia are particularly innovation friendly. The first condition is that efficient digital processes are well advanced in Asia. The high degree of digitalization is evident everywhere in Singapore. "A huge LED waterfall, gigantic LED screens and a completely digital entry process—even arriving at the airport in Singapore feels like a journey into the future. When I was overtaken by a robot doing the dishes on my first visit to a restaurant, it was clear that innovation is alive and well here," explains Jörg Hesselink.
The second condition is a high willingness to invest in future-oriented technologies. "Innovation is one of Singapore's greatest assets. Visions are not only created here, but also implemented," says Hesselink. "Innovative technologies are strategically brought together here. Among other things, the concept of the digital twin is used here on a large scale," says Hesselink. "Anonymized data is collected via an extensive sensor network and the open digital platform and processed in the district's own digital twin. This broad use of technology encourages investors and stimulates start-ups.
We must continue to evangelize in Europe in order not to lose touch with global developments. We need visions and the courage to implement them.
Jörg Hesselink,
Founder and CEO,
DC Smarter
The third and final condition is that artificial intelligence is a key issue for decision makers. The recently released Cisco AI Readiness Study underscores the importance of artificial intelligence in Singapore. As early as 2019, the country's government unveiled a national AI strategy that outlines how artificial intelligence should be used consistently to transform the economy. In the latest study, 13 percent of companies surveyed consider themselves to be fully AI-ready. Singapore is slightly below the global average of 14 percent, but only 7 percent of companies in Germany consider they have reached this stage themselves.
Whereas in Europe, and especially in Germany, the focus is often on the risks associated with new technologies, Hesselink found his Asian counterparts to be much more solution-oriented. "The trip to Singapore definitely encouraged us to develop this market together with competent partners. It also showed that we must continue to evangelize in Europe in order not to lose touch with global developments. We need visions and the courage to realize them."
