Calls for a "CERN for AI" Initiative Gain Momentum in Europe

In a significant move towards enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) research, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has invoked the concept of a "CERN for AI," suggesting a collaborative approach akin to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. This proposal could potentially involve a staggering €100 billion investment over five to seven years, surpassing the entire Horizon Europe research budget of €95.5 billion. Experts, including Holger Hoos from RWTH Aachen University, express cautious optimism about the proposal's elevation to high-level discussions, emphasizing the need for detailed plans moving forward. Recent reports indicate that Europe is lagging behind the United States in AI development and computing capabilities. Von der Leyen's mention of a Research Council indicates that funding could be integrated into the Commission's budget, while the CERN analogy hints at potential contributions from member states. The idea of a centralized AI research facility has been championed by Hoos and the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE) since 2018, advocating for a network of research institutes across Europe. In March, the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) proposed the establishment of a European Distributed Institute for AI in Science (EDIRAS), which would serve as a collaborative hub for AI research. However, the Commission has yet to provide updates on this initiative. While acknowledging the substantial investment required, experts warn that the opportunity cost of inaction must be considered, with calls for member state involvement to ensure the initiative's success. Despite the potential benefits, some experts, like Reinhilde Veugelers, express skepticism regarding the necessity of a large-scale AI initiative, cautioning that without a compelling justification, such a significant investment could be wasted.