Boosting the use of AI will make strategic industries more competitive

AI fast-paced development is undeniable, and to maintain a competitive advantage for the EU, its adoption rate should be accelerated.

With the new Apply AI Strategy, the Commission seeks to boost AI adoption  across key industrial sectors, especially  small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance efficiency and accessibility of public services and support the development of European AI frontier models.

JRC experts analysed the results of the public consultation and call for evidence that helped shape the Apply AI Strategy, translated into the factual report accompanying the Communication. Key takeaways highlight thatrespondents’ primary concerns relate to European innovation and competitiveness and a call for investments in infrastructure, talent, funding, and collaboration. In addition, JRC’s multidisciplinary expertise in AI offers insights into multiple areas targeted by the Strategy.

Does training offer match the needs of the labour market?

AI literacy and skills are deemed essential in the strategy, to equip a robust workforce with the right competences to make the EU a competitive AI ecosystem. Comparing the AI-related education offer with labour market demand provides insights into potential AI-related skills gaps that can be tackled through evidence-informed policy actions.

JRC research shows that the most demanded AI-related roles in online job advertisements are AI and Machine Learning (ML) engineer, AI/ML developer, Data analyst and Data engineer – and these are concentrated in two occupation groups: Software and Applications Developers and Analysts, and Database and Network Professionals.

Education and training offered in the form of master’s degrees and short professional courses is primarily concentrated in ML, Generic AI, Robotics and automation, and AI ethics. While the inclusion of AI ethics is very positive, Generative AI has a much lower focus, suggesting a need to increase education and training on this topic.

Finally, education and training offer is concentrated in the field of ICT, with a much lower concentration in other fields – such as Social Sciences, Administration and Law, and Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, to name a few. This suggests a need for more AI-related education and training in non-ICT fields to contribute to a more diversified and multidisciplinary workforce.

Public sector as a key flagship for AI uptake

The Apply AI Strategy considers AI adoption in the public sector as largely beneficial, signalling a commitment to modernising public services through AI technologies.

JRC extensive research provided comprehensive frameworks and actionable recommendations to help public administrations in their AI adoption journey – including the potential of emerging technologies, such as Generative AI.

The JRC analysed the factors that influence public managers’ perception of AI adoption. The study, mentioned in the Strategy, highlights how AI uptake is already a reality rather than a promise, as well as the importance of organisational factors such as leadership support, innovative culture, and in-house expertise for a successful AI adoption.

The JRC is also the scientific partner of the Public Sector Tech Watch observatory, maintaining a growing repository of AI use cases across EU administrations. This will be used for further analysis and research to support the implementation of the Apply AI Strategy.

Supporting businesses in the AI journey

The Apply AI Strategy proposes to strengthen the role of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in helping European SMEs, startups and public sector organisations increase their digitalisation levels. Transformed into Experience Centres for AI,  they will serve as privileged access points for companies to the EU AI innovation ecosystem.

A new JRC report analyses strengths and gaps in the EDIH Network to understand their readiness for this upgrade, highlighting how they effectively support AI adoption by addressing customer challenges and providing training. At the same time, the report highlights areas for improvement, such as guidance on regulation and ethics, which remain key focus areas for the next generation of EDIHs.

The analysis, based on interviews and data on their activities, finds that most EDIHs already expressed the intention of improving their offer of legal and ethical guidance for their customers, as well as to increase their AI training and workshop offer.

More information: Joint Research Centre