How research and innovation contributes to AI policy

Well-coordinated use of AI can bring about significant improvements to society. It can help us reach climate and sustainability goals and will bring high-impact innovations in healthcare, education, transport, industry and many other sectors.

At the same time, the uptake of AI entails a number of potential risks and will bring about considerable socioeconomic changes. The EU must act as one, based on European values, to promote the development and deployment of AI.

This is why the Commission's research and innovation policy on artificial intelligence focuses on

developing and deploying AI solutions that have positive impacts on society and the economy
increasing and prioritising public and private investments (including better access to and use of scientific data)
promoting the development of Trustworthy AI by improving diversity and prompting ethics by design in Horizon Europe research and innovation projects. Gender and intersectional bias in Artificial Intelligence (factsheet).

Funding for AI

Europe needs to increase and better coordinate public and private investment to reap the full benefits of AI and to become a world leader in this key enabling technology.

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programme supports technological and societal aspects of AI development and deployment.

European Research Council (ERC)

ERC grants, as well as the creation of AI-focused research centres in EU countries, support Europe's research institutes, which are global leaders in AI research.

European Innovation Council

Funding for promising innovators and SMEs, to turn research into genuine breakthrough innovations.

European Partnerships

European Partnerships bring the European Commission and private and/or public partners together to address some of Europe’s most pressing challenges through concerted research and innovation initiatives. They are a key implementation tool of Horizon Europe, and contribute significantly to achieving the EU’s political priorities.

By bringing private and public partners together, European Partnerships help to avoid the duplication of investments and contribute to reducing the fragmentation of the research and innovation landscape in the EU.

The AI, Data and Robotics Partnership is the European Partnership in digital, industry and space in Horizon Europe. To deliver the greatest benefit to Europe from AI, Data and Robotics, this partnership is driving innovation, acceptance and uptake of these technologies.

Projects and results

Artificial intelligence: expanding scientific boundaries and enhancing innovation

This results pack presents 15 ongoing, or recently completed EU-funded projects that highlight various applications of AI in science.

Artificial intelligence and industry: Advanced innovation for European manufacturing

This results pack presents the results of 14 innovative Horizon 2020 projects reshaping AI and industry.

Artificial Intelligence: Turbocharging European industry

This results pack presents the first innovative results of 13 ongoing (or recently finished) Horizon 2020 projects that are leading the way in embedding AI applications into industry.