The EDIRAS institute would be distributed across the continent, which some argue could boost European innovation more than the current wave of chatbots created by US tech giants. However, others argue that a new central facility with supercomputers used exclusively for AI is needed. The report does not specify a cost for EDIRAS, with some suggesting it could be piloted as part of Horizon Europe, with the potential to scale it up from 2028 in the next framework programme.
Key takeaways:
- Scientific advisors to the European Commission have recommended the creation of a 'CERN for AI', a state-of-the-art facility for academic research in Europe, to help scientists develop artificial intelligence tools to accelerate their research.
- The proposed institute, called the European Distributed Institute for AI in Science (EDIRAS), has been criticized for being too narrow in focus, too spread out across Europe, and lacking a concrete budget.
- Despite the criticisms, some believe that creating AI tools for scientists could ultimately boost European innovation more than the current wave of chatbots created by US tech giants.
- The report does not specify a cost for EDIRAS, leaving the decision to the Commission. It suggests that the institute could be piloted as part of Horizon Europe, with the potential to scale it up from 2028 in the next framework programme.