The government of the Netherlands has announced plans to allocate €204.5 million (approximately $222.07 million) towards promoting local investment in artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, revealed by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations on January 18, aims to position the Netherlands and the European Union competitively in the field of responsible generative AI and facilitate the development of AI technology.
The announcement highlights that Asia and the United States have taken the lead in responsible generative AI usage. In response, the Dutch government seeks to ensure that the Netherlands and the EU do not lag behind in AI advancements. The allocated funds are intended to set the course for AI development in the region.
As part of its strategy, the government plans to conduct campaigns to educate the public on safeguarding data from generative AI. Furthermore, there is an ongoing inquiry into the creation of a secure and functional national AI testing facility for public use. These initiatives aim to harness the benefits of AI while addressing potential risks.
The government’s announcement also includes plans to align with the European Union’s AI Act, which regulates the use of AI by governments and establishes entry requirements for AI in the market. Although a deal on a risk-based model for AI regulation was reached in December 2023 by the European Parliament and Council, it has yet to be formally enacted, and some details are still being finalized.
According to Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Dutch Minister for Education, Culture, and Science, a key focus is on developing and retaining AI talent to meet European standards and values. Additionally, the government is considering investments in significant scientific and technological resources, including supercomputers, at both the national and EU levels. These investments are intended to enhance competitiveness in the field of large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI technologies.
In conclusion, the Netherlands is taking proactive steps to bolster its AI capabilities, align with EU regulations, and foster innovation while addressing associated challenges and risks.
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