Please note this event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact [email protected].
In partnership with the EU Delegation to the UK, the Aspen Institute UK is hosting a one-off in-person event to explore and explain the EU’s policies on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Increasingly, there is a growing global consensus that while many AI systems will pose low to no risk, certain AI systems create risks that need to be addressed to avoid undesirable outcomes which can be of an irreversible nature.
The EU’s approach to AI is risk-based, departing from the notion that almost all AI innovation should be possible except for where there are dangers to people. It builds on excellence and trust, aims to boost research and industrial capacity, while ensuring safety and fundamental rights. As the world’s first legislation on AI, the EU AI Act aims at fostering trustworthy and secure AI. In combination with the EU’s AI Startups & Innovation Package and the EU AI Office, this will create unique framework conditions for a thriving AI innovation ecosystem in Europe.
Join us as we take a closer look at what this EU approach entails for the future of Artificial Intelligence and how the EU wants to harness the potential of AI. Why has the EU opted for regulation? How can it stimulate innovation? What next?
Speaker:
Roberto Viola is Director General of DG CONNECT (Directorate General of Communication, Networks, Content and Technology) at the European Commission since 2015 and was the Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT from 2012 to 2015. In this capacity, he is the European Commission’s leading official on all digital, technology, cyber, telecom and media policies. Roberto also oversees the EU’s initiatives on AI and the EU AI Office.
In previous positions, Roberto served as Chairman of the European Radio Spectrum Policy group (RSPG) from 2012 to 2013 and has been a member of the BEREC Board (Body of European Telecom Regulators), and Chairman of the European Regulatory Group (ERG).
From 2005 to 2012, he held the position of Secretary General in charge of managing AGCOM (the Italian regulator for telecommunications, digital and postal services). Prior to this, he served as Director of the Regulation Department and Technical Director in AGCOM (1999 to 2004). Between 1985 and 1999 he held various positions including Head of Telecommunication and Broadcasting Satellite Services at the European Space Agency (ESA). Roberto Viola has a degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
Moderator:
Baroness Martha Lane Fox – Martha is President of the British Chambers of Commerce. She is a cross bench peer in the UK House of Lords and sits on multiple boards. She is chair of Wetransfer and chancellor of the open university. She co-founded and chairs Lucky Voice. Martha was UK digital champion from 2009 to 2013 and helped create gov.uk. She co-founded lastminute.com in 1998.
This is an in-person event for industry and sector experts.