The Dutch government has announced a significant investment of €204.5 million into artificial intelligence (AI), marking a proactive step towards enhancing its presence in the global AI landscape. This move is aimed at positioning both the Netherlands and the European Union competitively in the realm of responsible and productive AI use.
Funds are allocated to support the development of AI technology with a focus on ethical and responsible practices, including public education campaigns to raise awareness about data protection in the age of productive AI.
The government is also exploring the establishment of a national AI test facility to encourage public engagement with AI technologies, aiming to leverage the benefits of productive AI systems like ChatGPT while mitigating risks associated with misinformation and potential job displacement.
This initiative aligns with the EU’s AI Act and serves as a regulatory framework for AI usage and market entry guidelines. Despite reaching a preliminary agreement on a risk-based model for AI regulation in December 2023, the official enactment of the AI Act awaits finalization details.
The Dutch government is considering significant investments in scientific and technological resources, including supercomputers, to support capabilities in large language models (LLMs) and other forms of productive AI. The overarching goal is to create an innovation-friendly environment and secure the positions of the Netherlands and the EU in the global AI landscape.