“Give innovations about AI free rein – Sweden can still become a leader”

DEBATE

DEBATE. We are facing a unique opportunity to position Sweden as a leading nation in the EU in artificial intelligence, ai. If we introduce and apply the new ai law in as permissive and flexible a way as possible, we can create an environment where innovation thrives. While we ensure that it is done in an ethical and safe way, write Maria Rosendahl and My Bergdahl, Teknikföretagen.

Recently, the criticism of and concern about what the EU’s new ai regulation (the so-called AI act) will actually mean has become more clear. Large players choose not to launch ai models in Europe due to uncertainty about the interpretation of the legislation. Other companies are threatening to move their development outside the EU for the same reasons. It is indeed a worrying development. But regardless of what we think of the AI ​​act, it has been adopted and will soon be applied in all 27 EU member states.

In order to facilitate the introduction in Sweden, the government has commissioned an investigator to draw up proposals on, among other things, which authorities should be responsible for the ai issue in Sweden, how control of the ai systems should be carried out and how testing operations (regulatory sandboxes) to be set up to help companies test new AI systems.

AI has the potential to revolutionize many sectors, from healthcare and education to transportation and industry. Studies and reports show the potential of AI for the Swedish public sector as well as for competitiveness and growth. However, Sweden’s position in the global air race has been disappointing. In international rankings, Sweden is often found in less flattering places. (See for example The Global AI
Index – Tortoise).

It is regrettable that Sweden is ranked so low considering the country’s otherwise good technical level in business and society. We have to change that. Instead of lamenting the EU’s regulatory zeal, we should seize the opportunity and take advantage of the opportunities that the AI ​​Act offers. We need to give our companies and researchers the best conditions to develop, test and use ai. Establish robust, exploratory so-called regulatory sandboxes where new ai solutions can be tested in a controlled environment before being widely launched. Sandboxes that are easy to use and provide tangible benefits to those who use them.

It is critical that we do not stifle innovation with excessive regulations. By giving innovation “free rein”, we can contribute to Sweden becoming an attractive place for ai research and development and create the conditions for a future where Sweden does not just follow development, but leads it.

We see positively that the government, with the investigation that has now started, is particularly pointing to promoting innovation and growth. Areas that the government’s AI Commission, which will very soon present its report, have been tasked with presenting concrete proposals for. By implementing the EU’s AI act in a smart and balanced way – and in close collaboration with business experts – we can create a bright future for our citizens and our economy.

The AI ​​act cannot be seen in isolation. We also need, as Teknikföretagen has mentioned several times, to ensure that the underlying infrastructure that is needed is developed. It is not least about fully developed 5g throughout the country, but also about how different IT systems communicate with each other and access to really high computer capacity.

The competence issue will also be central if we are to give ourselves the conditions to succeed in the global race. Companies and organizations must have access to excellence in AI. We also need to ensure that we all have a basic understanding of and ability to use ai. Let’s work together to make Sweden a global leader in artificial intelligence.

Maria Rosendahlhead of economic policy, Teknikföretagen
My Bergdahlbusiness policy expert, Teknikföretagen