Technology Policy Recommendations

Annex to the Davos Declaration on European AI Research and Innovation, based on the NGI Enrichers Program and the AI Horizon 25 conference in Davos

Executive Summary

We identify critical challenges facing Europe’s AI ecosystem: fragmented regulations limiting startup scaling, insufficient explainable AI standards for high-risk applications, weak self-sovereign identity frameworks, growing environmental concerns, and gaps in open research practices. Key recommendations include mandating sector-specific explainability standards, expanding GDPR for SSI provisions, investing in sustainable AI research, harmonizing startup support across the EU, and establishing an AI ethical framework integrated with semiconductor development. Priority areas require dedicated funding for explainable AI, SSI pilot projects, sustainable AI research, harmonized startup ecosystems, and open science platforms. These coordinated efforts aim to strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in ethical, sovereign, and inclusive AI.

Authors: Monique Jeanne Morrow, Sabine Kennedy, Ivan Kulchytskyy, Latif Ladid, Tariq Samad, Igor Karpachev, Lucia de Luca, Tommaso Carraro, Matt Murtagh, Marouane Tliba, Tessa Wagenaar, Roger Aeschbacher, Juan Antón, Roberto Medina, Zoran Nasteki, Mustafa Ergen, Sandra Lohnes, Ellen Fritsche, Igor Kotsiuba.

Strategic Recommendations by Stakeholder Group

  1. European Union Institutions & Funding Programs (e.g. EC, FP10)
  • Mandate Sector-Specific Explainability Standards
    • Develop and enforce clear, measurable benchmarks for explainability in high-risk AI systems
    • Prioritize health, finance, security, and public services
    • Leverage existing ethics guidelines and standardization (ISO, IEEE)
  • Expand GDPR to Include SSI Provisions
    • Establish a legal framework for Self-Sovereign Identity
    • Ensure cross-border interoperability and user-controlled data portability
    • Promote privacy-preserving technologies (e.g. zero-knowledge proofs)
  • Invest in Sustainable AI Research
    • Fund energy-efficient AI models and carbon-aware computing
    • Support life-cycle assessments for AI deployments
  • Advance Open, Reproducible Science
    • Require reproducible methods and open data/code in funded projects
    • Establish platforms for transparent peer review and collaborative development
  • Harmonize Startup Support Across the EU
    • Create unified regulatory pathways to reduce fragmentation
    • Fund cross-border incubators and accelerators
    • Incentivize European-based scaling to reduce “brain drain”
  1. National Governments
  • Align National Regulations with EU Standards
  • Support National Funding for Explainable AI and SSI
  • Build Public Trust through Education
  • Facilitate Inclusive Innovation
  1. Industry & Private Sector
  • Adopt and Co-Develop Explainability Standards
  • Prioritize Privacy-Preserving Technologies
  • Support Open Innovation Models
  • Commit to Sustainable AI Practices
  1. Research & Academic Institutions
  • Advance Explainable AI Techniques
  • Promote Reproducibility and Open Science
  • Explore SSI and Data Sovereignty Frameworks
  • Educate the Next Generation

Additional Recommendations

  1. Develop and Integrate an EU AI Ethical Framework with Semiconductor Research
  • Establish a comprehensive European AI Ethical Framework aligned with cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental considerations
  • Promote incorporation into the EU Chips Act for trusted, ethically compliant AI hardware
  • Support research embedding ethical principles directly into chip design and AI hardware architecture
  1. Create a Harmonized AI Governance Certification and Skills Development Program
  • Implement standardized AI Governance Certification Exam with technical and regulator-specific tracks
  • Align with international standards like IAPP certification for global interoperability
  • Promote continuous professional development and AI governance job creation

Priority Areas for Financial and Organizational Support

  • Explainability and Trustworthy AI: Dedicated funding calls and sector-specific benchmarks
  • Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI): Pilot projects and cross-border legal frameworks
  • Sustainable AI: Research grants for energy-efficient AI and carbon footprint measurement
  • Harmonized Startup Ecosystems: EU-wide accelerator programmes and unified regulatory pathways
  • Open, Reproducible Science: Platforms for code/data sharing and funding incentives

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