Steering committee of Plattform Lernende Systeme: Hightech Agenda to strengthen AI as a key technology for Germany

Artificial intelligence (AI) is to be specifically expanded as one of the key technologies by 2030, according to Germany's Hightech Agenda. Together with Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, key measures to strengthen technological sovereignty, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, were discussed at the 16th meeting of the Steering Committee of Plattform Lernende Systeme (PLS) in Berlin. The key factors are the definition of measurable targets and interdepartmental coordination. The meeting was chaired by acatech President Claudia Eckert.

The Hightech Agenda Germany is a key measure for strengthening technological sovereignty. Together with Federal Minister Dorothee Bär, the goals and design options of the agenda were discussed at the steering committee meeting. AI is one of the six key technologies that are to be strategically promoted by 2030. The aim is to generate at least ten percent of economic output using AI. To this end, transfer pilot projects, an AI robotics booster and initiatives for AI in medicine are planned. In addition, access to computing capacity, high-quality data and AI chips is to be significantly improved. Other infrastructure projects that have been given special emphasis include the establishment of at least one AI gigafactory and AI centres of excellence, which are to be further expanded and networked. Next-generation models, such as large multimodal systems, will also be promoted. A structured roadmapping process is to ensure that gaps are identified and priority sectors are addressed.

During the discussion, the members of the steering committee emphasised the need for clear, measurable targets (KPIs) and cross-departmental management of the agenda. Representatives from science, industry and associations stressed that ambitious goals were important, but that their impact could only be fully realised with clear indicators. At the same time, a more operational structure for the agenda was suggested with a view to the economy. Plattform Lernende Systeme could offer significant added value in the field of AI, particularly through its interdisciplinary structure, and could play a mediating role: it combines technical AI expertise with ethical, social and legal perspectives. This approach should be incorporated more strongly into the Hightech Agenda, particularly for issues such as liability, acceptance, data use and social impact.

AI medical devices: Between regulation and pressure to innovate

Another component of the steering committee meeting was the presentation by Prof. Dr. Björn Heismann from Siemens Healthineers and member of the ‘Health, Medical Technology, Care’ working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme . He highlighted the tension between the AI Act and the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Both regulations overlap in some areas, but have not yet been sufficiently harmonised with each other. ‘Double regulation places a particular burden on small and medium-sized enterprises,’ emphasised Heismann. AI real-world laboratories in particular could offer opportunities in this regard and create spaces for innovation in which AI processes can be tested in a practical setting and brought to market more quickly. The discussion focused primarily on the need for high-quality health data, clear anonymisation standards and improved data availability. There was agreement that regulation and innovation must be rebalanced in order not to slow down the development of AI-based medical devices.

Artificial General Intelligence: Objective assessment instead of exaggerated expectations

Prof. Dr. Jessica Heesen from the University of Tübingen and head of the ‘Law and Ethics’ working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme focused her presentation on the topic of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Her talk made it clear that AGI remains a concept without a uniform definition and is often accompanied by exaggerated expectations in the public sphere. There is a heated debate among experts as to how and whether AGI will ever be technically feasible, and whether we are not already on the way there with generative and agent-based AI systems. The discussion can sometimes distract from the fact that ethical and legal questions about liability, regulation and the possible legal status of AI systems are already being raised today. There are concerns, for example, about the concentration of power in large technology companies. There was agreement in the discussion that the debate must focus more on real technological developments. Speculative narratives about superintelligence should not distract from this; what is more important is objective communication about the capabilities, limitations and social issues of future AI systems.

The steering committee acts as the management body, determining the content and strategic direction of the Learning Systems Platform and providing impetus for its work. Its members from academia and industry represent important topics, disciplines, sectors and companies of various sizes in the field of artificial intelligence. They were appointed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).