This Brussels-based hybrid event will explore how Ireland and Europe can effectively and strategically promote AI uptake, adoption, and innovation, to drive Europe’s competitiveness.

The expert panel discuss how Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU can steer and tailor the direction of EU AI policy to bolster Europe’s competitiveness, following the various recent EU initiatives and strategies to promote AI in Europe. The discussion also takes stock of Europe’s progress two years after the publication of the Draghi report, and assesses Europe’s record in translating the Draghi reports recommendations into reality. The panel particularly examine how Ireland’s presidency can seek to address the barriers to AI development in Europe, promote AI innovation, and help to drive the productivity gains envisaged in the Draghi report, so that Europe can position itself at the forefront of AI development.

This event is co-organised by the IIEA and Microsoft.

Welcoming remarks provided by Katarina Wallin Bureau, Vice President, Head of European Government Affairs, Microsoft

Panellists include:

• Gosia Malgorzata Nikowska, Deputy Director of the EU AI Office and Head of Unit for AI Innovation and Policy Coordination, European Commission;
• Zach Meyers, Director of Research, Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE);
• Dr Susanne Rompel, Head of Government Affairs Europe, SAP
• Regina Doherty, Member of the European Parliament and former Irish Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

This event is moderated by Declan Kelleher, former Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union and Board Member of the IIEA.