Advancing European sovereignty in AI, data and robotics

Europe must move beyond strategic planning and take decisive action to secure leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), data and robotics. That was the key message from the 2024 AI, Data, Robotics Forum (ADRF) in Eindhoven, which brought together key stakeholders from policy, industry and academia to discuss Europe’s path to achieving technological sovereignty.“A clear strategy, collaborative mindset, and a focus on innovation can help attract the funding and talent needed to lead in these technologies,” noted Emanuela Girardi, President of the AI, Data and Robotics Association (Adra), which organised the Forum. “While the urgency is clear, execution remains a challenge. Europe must transition from strategy to action, from discussion to implementation, with speed and focus.”Adra is the private partner of the European Partnership on AI, Data and Robotics. Established in 2021, Adra serves as a central platform connecting industry, academia and policymakers to advance Europe’s capabilities in AI, data, and robotics. As highlighted by the Draghi report, Europe needs to strengthen its independence in these critical fields. The Forum aligned on concrete priorities to build resilience, autonomy, and leadership in the global technological landscape.Key takeaways from the ForumThe Forum addressed both opportunities and challenges, outlining actionable priorities to strengthen Europe’s technological position:Public-private partnerships: Europe’s success depends on fostering collaboration. Collaborative Initiatives, such as Generative AI for EU and Apply AI, exemplify how partnerships can bridge innovation and policy, ensuring strategies translate into impact. Responsible and certified AI: Trustworthy, responsible AI is central to Europe’s vision. The Forum stressed the need for certified AI systems and skilled professionals to guarantee safety, ethics and public trust. As Girardi noted, “Just as we certify engineers and bridges, we must certify and train AI developers to ensure its responsible deployment.”Industry strengths in the global AI value chain: While AI operates globally, Europe must maintain control over key areas of the value chain. Focusing on strengths, such as robotics, industrial AI and manufacturing, will allow Europe to lead specific sectors and invest in emerging technologies.Long-term vision and investment: A sustained, strategic approach is essential for Europe to capitalise on its advantages. By championing AI, data and robotics through targeted investments, Europe can shape global trends rather than follow them.A path to leadershipThe Forum underscored Europe’s potential to lead in AI, data and robotics, while aligning innovation with its core values. There was a consensus that Europe has the talent, vision, and framework to succeed.“It’s time to shift our narrative away from what we lack to what we can build. Europe has unique strengths, our values, our diversity, our research excellence, and our collaborative spirit. By focusing on these assets and developing a clear strategic vision, we can create an innovation ecosystem that attracts global talent and investment” Girardi concluded “Our goal isn’t to catch up, but to forge our own path forward, one that combines technological excellence with European values. “Looking ahead, the ADRF demonstrated that Europe’s path to technological sovereignty is within reach. By fostering an environment that blends innovation with its unique values, Europe can not only achieve technological sovereignty but also set the global standard for responsible and inclusive advancements. The path to leadership is clear: Through collaboration, strategic investment and unwavering focus, Europe can secure its role as a global leader in shaping the future of transformative technologies.About Adra and its community building focusThe AI, Data, and Robotics Association (Adra) bridges European cluster projects, aligning scientific advances with industry needs to build a unified, resilient tech ecosystem. By fostering collaboration, Adra ensures local cluster innovations contribute to Europe’s broader strategy for technological leadership.Key Synergies and OpportunitiesStrategic Alignment: Adra connects clusters’ localized strengths with the pan-European vision, scaling regional successes into impactful global solutions.Research-to-Market Pathways: Adra streamlines the transition of innovations from R&D to industry, accelerating adoption and impact.Talent Development: Clusters provide hubs for skills training, which Adra integrates into continent-wide talent retention and education strategies.Resource Mobilization: Adra advocates for investments and partnerships, enhancing clusters’ capacity for innovation and competitiveness.By linking clusters to Adra’s initiatives, Adra enables a cohesive approach, ensuring Europe leads in AI, data, and robotics with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Adra also supports the creation of a robust ecosystem where European talent and solutions can thrive, as well as advocating for increased investment and innovation.Read More