The German AI Association represents the interests of more than 50 German companies involved in artificial intelligence. The association has now published a nine-point plan to advance the AI economy in Germany.
The members of the interest group include the Munich companies Konux, E-bot7, Alexander Thamm, Hyve and UnternehmerTUMThe association was founded in March of this year.
“Society reacts with hype, hysteria or platitudes”
Their demands include a data science subject starting in the third grade and open data pools. The association also calls for significantly more funding for the AI economy: a pan-European funding program with a budget of at least €1 billion per year should be established. Government and European programs, as well as private venture capitalists, should increase funding and financing opportunities by at least an additional €5 billion per year. Collaboration between startups and industry should also be supported with more than €1 billion per year.
At the legal level, time-limited and regularly updated regulations should be enacted. The AI Federal Association also calls for initiatives to raise awareness about the use of user data, the positive impact of AI on society, a differentiated analysis of risks, and the economic potential of AI. A dedicated German Ethics Council for AI should assess the consequences of technological developments on other areas. The association's chairman Jörg Bienert says:
"Society reacts with hype, hysteria, or platitudes. So far, Germany and Europe have lagged behind other economic areas in the strategic and concerted promotion of the technology. We want to contribute to ensuring that Germany, too, can make the best possible use of the emerging momentum."
“Politics must hold the door open”
The association's political advisory board includes Thomas Jarzombek (CDU), Jens Zimmermann (SPD), Manuel Höferlin (FDP), Dieter Janecek (Greens), and Petra Sitte (The Left). The chairman of the advisory board Marcus Ewald says:
"A flourishing market economy thrives on those who enter the competition. The German AI startup scene can become part of that innovative force. Now politicians must hold the door open for it."
