Regional artificial intelligence. The role of regions in AI development

KEY IDEAS

The discussion revolved around the need for active participation from regions and cities in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Efforts are being made to involve businesses in AI system development, despite regulatory challenges. The importance of establishing guidelines to democratize AI knowledge and prevent disparities between large and small companies is emphasized. Reference was also made to the guidance provided to public administrations regarding AI use and the need for AI legislation to protect the rights and health of the population. It was stressed as highly important the role regions can play in developing AI ecosystems that promote a human-centred approach. The importance of financial support and training in the development of safe AI was also mentioned.

In Galicia, more than 300 AI-related projects have been identified and over 50 companies are developing AI or providing related services (47% are SMEs), along with a wide range of training offers and the use of public procurement for innovation in this area. The importance of aligning regional regulations with European standards is highlighted. This is why Galicia set up a regional AI Strategy in 2021, a Galician AI node in 2022 and is now working on a regional law on Planning, Organisation and Promotion of Artificial Intelligence. As a recognition of this work, one of its main cities, Corunna, has been chosen to host the National Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence.
The importance of public trust in AI was brought up, as well as the key role that regional and local authorities can play in this regard. Therefore, the need for multi-level governance in the field of AI was broadly underscored.


INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly crucial in our world, reshaping how we live and interact. At the European level, discussions have been ongoing since 2019 about establishing a legal framework to ensure that AI systems are safe and respect fundamental rights. The question arises: what role will regions play in the development of AI? Identifying a potential regulatory framework is essential to ensure that AI produced and consumed in a region aligns with ethical principles and European standards.


DEBATE

• Thomas Wobben, Director, European Committee of the Regions

What is the role of regions and cities in this context? Despite the AI Act not explicitly mentioning regions and cities, they are pivotal players in the AI ecosystem. Many countries rely on cities and regions for education, making them key contributors. However, there are challenges, such as balancing the evolving market's regulatory framework and addressing the winner-takes-all issue in IT. Regions and local authorities face the dual role of being producers and users of digital tools. Addressing lagging regions' lack of knowledge is crucial for regional development, and AI can assist in this regard by promoting cohesion and creating new markets.

The importance of dedicated funds for AI in many regions is emphasized, stressing the need for multilevel governance and collaboration to improve AI regulation. Communication among different levels of governance is vital for effective legislation, ensuring regions can contribute meaningfully to EU decisions. The Council version of the AI Act provides greater attention to this aspect, enhancing collaboration between governance levels.


• Miguel Valle del Olmo, Digital Transformation Attaché, Spanish Permanent Representation

Evaluating AI compliance with regulations is complex. Understanding and applying the future European AI Act will be a challenge, especially for those not well-versed in legislative frameworks. Clear guidance and support are necessary to ensure proper application and compliance, avoiding high costs. A common understanding is essential to guide companies and public authorities, alleviating uncertainties. The concept of "sandbox" is trendy, but expectations must align with reality.

Miguel Valle del Olmo highlights the challenge of ensuring AI regulation compliance within the European Research Area. He emphasizes the need for expertise in regulating AI devices, especially in the medical field, and stresses the importance of governance at the global, national, and regional levels. Public employees dealing with these technologies must be well-supported, and companies need clear directives from the AI Act.


• María Bobillo, Director for Planification. Agency for the technological modernization of Galicia (AMTEGA)

Establishing criteria and procedures for the design, acquisition, development, and implementation of AI systems by the Public Administration, and recognizing the rights of freedom, equality, and redress for citizens regarding the use of these systems, are two of the cornerstones of the Artificial Intelligence Planning, Organization, and Promotion Law project being prepared by the Galician Government (preliminary works on Galician AI Act). This regulation, which is currently in the public consultation phase, positions Galicia at the forefront in Europe for the development and use of citizen-centred AI in administration.

It will be the first law of its kind in Spain and is fully aligned with the European AI regulation.


• Beatriz Allegue, Deputy Director of the Legal Service. Xunta de Galicia (Galician public administration)

In the rapidly evolving landscape of disruptive technologies over the next decade in Europe, mastering these tools is essential. Turning the EU into a global leader in responsible, human-centred AI development can only be achieved if regions also hold a strong and active position in the process. Collaboration is key to positioning the EU globally, emphasizing internal training and political structuring for AI implementation.

Galicia took its initial steps in this field with the establishment of a collaborative space between knowledge - universities and research centres - and the Administration: the galicIA hub. Simultaneously, a collaboration agreement with the Galician university system enabled the conduct of a study on the ethical and regulatory framework for AI development in our community. One of the early outcomes of this collaboration was the report that led to Galicia been chosen by the government to host the first State Agency for AI Supervision established in Europe.

In its preliminary title, in addition to the objectives and the scope of the regulation, the legal been drafted establishes the ethical principles for the development of this technology, which align with those embraced by the European AI Alliance to ensure that the EU leads globally in this technology with a focus on excellence and reliability. In this regard, the preamble of the law also outlines the rights of freedom and equality for individuals.

The regulatory aspects of the law are contained in three sections (titles) on 'AI Governance and Planning’, ‘Use of AI by the Galician Public Sector' and 'Measures to Promote AI'. The first title specifies the competencies of different public management bodies, as well as oversight and evaluation bodies. It also addresses aspects related to planning and management, such as the Galician AI Strategy (EGIA). The second title addresses issues such as the criteria that will govern the purchase or development of AI systems by the public administration, as well as testing procedures to ensure their reliability and respect for the rights of individuals. It also regulates the extent to which AI can participate in decision-making processes, codes of conduct, ethical guidelines, and self-diagnostic tools. Finally, the third title paves the way for promoting the use of ethical and reliable AI among businesses through mechanisms such as economic, tax, and innovation incentives, as well as collaboration between administrations through Govtech ecosystems. It also covers aspects related to the training of public employees, university professors, and professionals, and the framework for establishing measures to mitigate the risks associated with AI.

Galicia's roadmap aligns with both Spain and the EU, driven by years of innovation work. Regions are portrayed as the best positioned to contribute to creating a favourable environment for AI development, playing a key role in ensuring an AI's proper, responsible, and secure development. Regions are best suited to extend and strengthen public trust in this technology. To meet these demands, we have a duty to be prepared, which requires financial support and proper training and skills.

CONCLUSION

By and large, these discussions emphasize the need for comprehensive, clear, and collaborative efforts in AI development and regulation, involving regions, cities, private sectors, and public institutions. Only through coordinated action and understanding can the vast potential of AI be harnessed effectively while ensuring safety, ethics, and compliance.