Germany Plans to Double AI Funding, Competing with China and US
Germany is set to double its state funding for artificial intelligence research over the next two years, aiming to compete in this field against both China and the United States. This information has been revealed by Reuters.
For comparison, the US government spent $3.3 billion on AI research in 2022, according to a report by Stanford University.
Germany's ambitions, announced by the Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Vatcinger, appear modest compared to the $3.3 billion that the US will allocate for AI research in 2022. Private AI spending in the US in 2022, as per the same report, reached $47.4 billion, nearly twice that of Europe, significantly surpassing China's $13.4 billion spending.
Germany is actively seeking to revive its economy from a recession and, therefore, intends to promote the development of AI. The country's traditional key sectors, such as the automotive and chemical industries, face fierce competition from electric vehicle manufacturers and high energy costs.
Germany's plans encompass the establishment of 150 new university laboratories for AI research, expanding data processing centers, and providing access to complex datasets that will empower AI algorithms to gain new insights.
Bettina Stark-Vatcinger noted that new regulations from the European Union, aimed at overseeing AI development, emphasize confidentiality and personal security more than in other regions, potentially attracting players to Germany and the EU as a whole.
"We have AI that is clearly regulated, that deserves trust, and is transparent. That's a competitive advantage," said Bettina Stark-Vatcinger.
She added that simpler regulations will foster increased private investment in research. Although Germany can't compare with the US technological giants, the number of AI startups doubled in 2023, placing the country ninth in the world, acknowledged Stark-Vatcinger.
It's worth noting that towards the end of this year, the UK will host a summit dedicated to artificial intelligence. The initiative for this event comes from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak. The summit will feature renowned global leaders and top executives from companies specializing in artificial intelligence.