Intelligent networking and responsibility in the digital society
Kick-off program of the Digital Summit 2018
11:00 a.m.
11:25 a.m.
12:15 pm
Artificial intelligence is considered a key technology for the digital future of modern economies. In the United States, it is primarily the technology groups Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Apple and Microsoft, and in China Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent, that are shaping this development. They offer internet search, messenger services, sales platforms and social networks. Billions are being invested in AI projects on both sides, with users usually paying by sharing their personal data. Germany and Europe must find their own role in artificial intelligence.
Initial thesis: The use of artificial intelligence requires a framework that must be in line with our German and European values, in particular human dignity. Requirements such as respect, transparency and self-determination, which we expect in the analog world, are all the more essential in the digital world – because they form the basis of our society. In order to realize the opportunities for the German economy, science and society in dealing with AI technologies, a European path is needed. This must promote the development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence responsibly and for the benefit of society, as well as creating an ethical and regulatory framework.
Together with you, we would like to discuss the opportunities for the German economy, science and society in dealing with AI technologies – in search of a European path. How can the development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence be advanced responsibly and for the benefit of society? How can ethical and regulatory frameworks for the use of AI be shaped and new value creation potential be tapped for Germany and Europe?
Cities and regions are the basis for an attractive and strong business and innovation location in Germany. Their digital transformation affects all areas of life and business. It opens up a wide range of opportunities to solve pressing issues relating to modern services of general interest, attractive living conditions, consistent sustainability, social participation and economic prosperity. In recent years, numerous smart city projects and regional initiatives have been launched worldwide and in Germany. The basis and expression of this development is the emergence of a new data economy.
The exchange and use of data form the core of all intelligent networking.
Initial hypothesis: Municipalities are generating and managing increasingly extensive data sets of all kinds, powerful IT infrastructures enable innovations in data collection, processing and analysis, overcome the boundaries of existing sectors and areas and go hand in hand with the emergence of new players and business models. At the same time, digitalization is not just a technical task, but above all a social one. Digital networking, advancing automation and digitalization in the basic sectors of energy, healthcare, transport, education and administration must not happen by chance, but must take place consciously and with a shared basic social understanding. The use and promotion of modern information and communication technologies open up opportunities for new,
creative solutions, for growth, competition and innovation. These opportunities must be exploited in a timely and consistent manner in order to preserve and create jobs and strengthen competitiveness.
We would therefore like to discuss the digitalization of cities and regions with you. What does the emergence of a data economy mean for citizens, the public sector, business, science and social groups? How can the foundations for sustainable development and social acceptance be laid? How can “digital responsibility” be put into practice and implemented? How can appropriate forms of cooperation and joint project planning be created and
supported for the necessary cooperative development and expansion of digitized and networked infrastructures?
At this year’s Digital Summit, a stimulating exchange took place between the participating panelists and guests as part of the event “Intelligent networking and responsibility in the digital society”. The introductory keynotes by Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, on the digital strategies of the federal states, and by Christin Eisenschmid, Managing Director, VP and General Manager Intel Germany and board member of Charter of Digital Networking e.V, on the topic of the digital responsibility of business, provided a stimulating introduction to the subsequent fishbowl discussions. “We need to translate the principle of responsibility for the digital world. All players must become aware of their new, expanded responsibility,” appealed Ms. Eisenschmid during her keynote speech.
Central questions in the first fishbowl on the topic of “Digital ethics for artificial intelligence in Germany and Europe – is there a European path independent of America and Asia?” were, for example, whether the German government’s planned investments in AI are sufficient to drive forward the development of digital ethics alongside technological development. Here, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Wolfgang Wahlster from the DKFI and member of the German government’s Data Ethics Commission clearly stated that Germany is actually already at the forefront, as other European countries are not investing as much in comparison. “We should also be a little proud of this and not always say: ‘We’re too late again!” With regard to German/European ethics as such, it was pointed out during the discussion that the trustworthy handling of data is particularly important.
In the second discussion, entitled “Intelligently networked cities and regions as a task for society as a whole – what responsibility does the new data economy entail?”, representatives from cities, industries and numerous research institutes discussed perspectives on shaping cities and regions. These included Parliamentary State Secretary Christian Hirte as a political representative, who emphasized cooperation across federal levels: Involving states and municipalities more closely, ensuring good conditions everywhere in the country, paying more attention in the future to how regional approaches can be used to exploit the potential arising from digitalization. Making regions so attractive that citizens want to move there and, above all, stay there.
The event was very well received by the audience, who actively participated in the fishbowl discussions. The event also featured a special guest who made the topic of AI very tangible.
