On 22 September, the government’s budget proposal will be presented to Parliament, and as usual, there is a series of announcements in the weeks leading up to its publication. Such news was announced today regarding investments in AI and data for welfare and competitiveness.

An investment that will impact the relationship between universities and their local communities is the AI factory to be built in Linköping, funded by the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova. Investments in an AI workshop for the public sector and a so-called ‘AI sandbox’, where companies and municipalities can test their AI solutions in a safe environment before implementation, are areas where collaboration with universities would be highly beneficial.

The previously presented research and innovation policy bill also involves several major AI-related initiatives, through strategic research areas and investments in clusters of excellence. AI is also likely to play an important role in the upcoming tenth EU framework programme.

Some of the proposals put forward by the AI Commission appear to be realised through the various initiatives that the government has taken or plans to present. This is positive. However, from my perspective, it is important not to forget the need to equip a wide range of professions with the fundamental skill of AI. It is also crucial to facilitate long-term investment in knowledge development and AI research.

AI is undoubtedly part of engineering science in terms of new products and technical solutions, but it is also a means of evolving the most advanced science. The fact that AI is everywhere, of course, presents a challenge when the government wants to make targeted investments, but, as mentioned, the universities must be involved! This benefits everyone.