In a recent interview with BigData-Insider, Thomas Neubert, an AI expert with 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors, comparing it to the internet boom of the late 90s. Neubert believes that AI will revolutionize every aspect of our lives, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and speed across a wide range of industries.
Neubert highlights that AI is currently in the early adopters’ stage, with the US and China taking the lead. He stresses the need for a more diverse and collaborative approach to break the “ivory tower” perception associated with AI development. Furthermore, he believes AI implementation must be transparent and regulated to address ethical concerns and mitigate potential risks.
Discussing the future of AI in Germany, Neubert identifies key cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Karlsruhe, Aachen, and Tübingen where technical universities are making strides in AI development. He suggests that Germany needs to focus on building accelerator and incubator programs linked to university curriculums to encourage entrepreneurship among students. Collaboration between research centers, such as the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), and industry players is crucial to developing the next generation of AI products.
Neubert also spoke about the Transatlantic AI eXchange Platform he launched in 2021, which aims to bring together influencers from industry, research, and government to discuss trends, challenges, and AI use cases. He envisions a synergetic relationship between the US and Germany, with both countries acknowledging the need for collaboration in AI advancements and sharing insights on localizing AI efforts in different regions.
Addressing the importance of regulation, Neubert admits that innovation often outpaces legislation, which could be a potential challenge for AI. However, he emphasizes the need for establishing a regulatory baseline quickly, which can then be revised to keep up with new development cycles. The European Data Protection Regulation and data visibility regulations will play an essential role in shaping the industry’s future.
As the AI revolution unfolds, Neubert stresses the importance of balancing rapid innovation with responsible regulation and ethical considerations to ensure AI technology serves the best interests of society. By fostering a collaborative and transparent environment for AI development, countries around the world can work together to unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.