'KI & WIR: Stärken nutzen, Vertrauen sichern, Souveränität bewahren' (AI & US Conference: Leveraging strengths, securing trust, maintaining sovereignty)

As a pioneer in AI research, Germany has been well positioned and internationally networked for many years. Not only science, but also the German economy – from start-ups and SMEs to large companies – is increasingly exploiting the potential of AI. At the same time, key questions arise: Where is the technology heading, and what fields of application are emerging? How can Germany and Europe remain competitive globally in the long term – while at the same time acting in a value-oriented manner? How can we remain technologically sovereign, and how is AI changing society? Plattform Lernende Systeme discussed these questions with over 200 guests at its conference ‘KI & WIR. Zukunft verantwortlich gestalten' (AI & US. Shaping the future responsibly) on 30 September in Berlin.

There is unprecedented momentum in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Technological innovations are opening up new opportunities, and investments worth billions are fuelling international competition. With a view to the role of Germany and Europe in this race, the conference promoted interdisciplinary exchange among AI experts from science, business, politics and society with keynote speeches and panel discussions involving the audience. Among other things, the discussions focused on the attractiveness of Germany as a location for AI research.

Promoting and retaining talent, ensuring trust

"Artificial intelligence is a key technology in Germany's high-tech agenda. We therefore want to further strengthen research in the field of AI, accelerate the transfer of results into practice and expand the necessary AI capacities, such as computing infrastructure. In this way, we are creating the framework conditions to ensure that AI 'Made in Germany' stands for technological excellence worldwide. With the 1000-Köpfe-Plus programme, we are also offering international talent, including in the field of AI, prospects in the German science system," explained Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space.

‘As a key technology, AI is central to future competitiveness – both for companies and for Germany as a business location. We should therefore leverage our strengths and invest primarily in domain-specific AI,’ said Claudia Eckert, acatech President and Co-Chair of Plattform Lernende Systeme. "With a technological focus on building trustworthy, secure and resource-efficient AI ecosystems for important economic domains, Germany can not only play to its strengths as an industrial location, but also substantially improve its digital sovereignty."

Europe's leadership role: security and innovation in harmony

The European Union has set itself the goal of becoming a global leader in the field of AI. The aim is to preserve technological sovereignty in Europe while proactively shaping change. Regulation and innovation do not have to be contradictory, but can complement each other. In her keynote speech, Lucilla Sioli, Director of the EU AI Office, outlined Europe's path to becoming an AI continent, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion on the practical implementation of the AI Act in Germany.

Other key topics at the conference included strengthening the AI ecosystem for start-ups and SMEs, and the influence of AI on opinion formation, power distribution and social participation. Special attention was also paid to the relationship between AI and the creative industries, as well as the associated interactions and challenges – presented in a humorous way by artist Marc-Uwe Kling

In addition to the discussions, conference guests also gained insight into the practical application of AI: in the accompanying exhibition, they were able to try out AI exhibits for themselves – from a software tool for sustainable brewing to an exoskeleton for the neuromotor control of arm movements in space travel and rehabilitation.

Parallel to the conference, the 2024/2025 progress report ‘Responsible AI Design’ by Plattform Lernende Systeme was published. In addition to interviews and technical articles by members, it documents important findings of Plattform Lernende Systeme on AI in research, business and society during the reporting period. The progress report is available at the following link.

Recordings of the conference, presentations and pictures will soon be available at https://www.plattform-lernende-systeme.de/plattformkonferenz-2025.html.