Nordic Region sets out direction for AI – with education and research at the forefront

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UDIRS bildebank

Artificial intelligence is all around us – in education, research and elsewhere – but generative AI models will not solve all our problems. Far from it, according to Petri Myllymäki, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the University of Helsinki, who kicked off a discussion on future skills needs at the annual meeting of Nordic education and research ministers in Helsinki.

Instead, we need to focus on building fair and democratic societies that make the best use of AI's potential and ensure that the Nordic Region remains a place where talented AI researchers choose to work.

In the Nordic Region, we share the same ethical principles, which puts us in a position to build democratic and fair societies by utilising AI in smart ways, for example, by setting out joint ethical principles and guidelines. New technology, and the rapid development of AI in particular, present challenges to the political system – we need to be quick and proactive – and put the Nordic Region in the driving seat.

Mari-Leena Talvitie, Minister of Science and Culture, Finland

Ministerne mødtes i Helsinki og drøftede blandt andet AI-udviklingen

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norden.org

AI was on the agenda when the ministers met in Helsinki

The ministers agree that AI has potential, but the education systems face challenges because they either deploy the technology poorly or lack AI competencies.

Background

· Knowledge and skills gap. It is possible to enhance basic skills and expertise in AI research. New technology is not enough. The whole education system needs to understand, apply and improve technology in a responsible manner, and the region needs to continue to be an attractive place to conduct AI research.

· Lifelong learning more important than ever. We need flexible, accessible and relevant continuing and further education programmes to keep the Nordic workforce up to date with new technology, including AI.

· Strong research framework and ecosystem. We need more interdisciplinary research. The Nordic Region needs to develop solutions that ensure AI is developed responsibly. We need an environment in which start-ups and established companies alike are able to thrive and offer exciting opportunities to the growing pool of talent that chooses to come here.

We are stronger together. We need to be self-sufficient in AI and develop solutions that transcend sectors and attract international experts. We can build on Nordic values and our uniqueness as Nordic nations. We should work together and bring our perspective on AI to bear in Europe, i.e., that it should be for people and democracy. We should do this with one voice because that is where our strength lies.

Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, Iceland

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norden.org

The Nordic Region as a driving force – not a spectator

The discussion reflected the increasing focus on the use of AI in education and research. AI can be a key tool with which to meet the skills needs of the future.

We have a unique launch pad in the Nordic Region. We have high digital competencies, strong welfare states and close public-private partnerships. But national strength is not enough. We need better co-operation as a region, especially in the light of new EU regulations and global competition.

All of these factors add to the importance of the proposal currently being discussed to set up a Nordic-Baltic AI centre, a joint initiative that would enhance the capacity of national actors to promote the use of AI, develop strategies and address the challenges that all of the countries face. The centre would make a tangible contribution to co-operation between the Nordic countries.

Laying the Foundation for a Nordic and Baltic AI Center

The future will not be shaped solely by technology – our choices matter.

Massive investments are being made in AI research and supercomputers such as LUMI. We have a strong Nordic tradition of working together, developing technology and acting responsibly – and we have all the prerequisites to be a world leader in AI. But choices need to be made. We need to ask ourselves what we want to use AI for. We need clear rules and regulations and a collective approach to ethics. We need education and training that leaves no one behind. We need to provide young people, teachers and skilled workers with access to the knowledge and tools they need, and we need to help the whole workforce keep up by providing relevant forms of continuing and further education.

AI must not become something some people use – it must be something everyone understands and in which they have a role to play. Education and research are the strongest tools we have for forging that future and for being a responsible AI region.

The Finnish Government's information on the meeting (in Swedish)

Images from the meeting