In this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, host Marc Leh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Giorgos Verdi, a Distinguished Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Giorgos provides a comprehensive overview of the EU's approach to AI regulation, focusing on the EU AI Act's dual goals of risk mitigation and providing legal certainty for AI entrepreneurs. He explains the Act's risk-based approach and how it aims to position Europe as a leader in trustworthy AI development, while also addressing concerns about its potential impact on innovation and competitiveness.

The discussion delves into the geopolitical factors influencing AI development across different regions, including the varying approaches within the EU itself. Giorgos offers valuable insights into the structural and cultural differences between the European and American tech ecosystems, touching on issues like scalability, risk tolerance, and immigration policies for tech talent. He emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers to boost Europe's competitiveness in the global AI landscape.

Throughout the episode, Giorgos provides practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the new regulatory landscape and for policymakers considering AI integration in government operations. He explores the potential of AI to enhance government services and restore public trust while stressing the importance of maintaining human oversight. The conversation concludes with a call for ongoing dialogue between tech innovators and policymakers to ensure regulations remain relevant and supportive of innovation, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between AI regulation, innovation, and geopolitics.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.