Lecture: From European AI strategy to economic opportunities for your city

The European Commission is working hard to establish a new European AI ecosystem. Through the AI Continent Action Plan, targeted funding and investments in language technology infrastructure, Europe aims to take the lead in the global AI race. But what does that mean in practical terms for a local authority with 100,000 residents?

What opportunities are there, and how can local authorities align themselves with the European agenda?

In this session, we’ll make the European strategy tangible for everyone working daily on the city of tomorrow. From challenge-based funding to the practical implications of the AI Act: we’ll translate the Brussels agenda into what it means for local authorities.

We will then delve into the world of the European Digital Innovation Consortia. Because EDICs are one of the concrete tools with which Europe aims to realise its AI ambitions – but what exactly are they, and how can a local authority benefit from them? We will show how cities can access European knowledge, networks and resources through the EDIC structure – and how you can start making use of them right now.

Together, these two perspectives paint a clear picture of the European AI architecture: from strategy to instrument, from Brussels to the high street.