Europe has strong cards for the upcoming AI wave

Europe has a strong position to play a leading role in the next generation of artificial intelligence. This next phase focuses on applications in the real economy, where Europe has access to high-quality data, in-depth domain knowledge, and a robust industrial base. This is evident from the new report 'Deep Dive: Strategic Investing in Europe’s Nextgen AI', which is being presented today at the international tech event Hello Tomorrow in Amsterdam.

The report provides a solid foundation for better understanding the European AI value chain, identifying where Europe can build sustainable competitive advantage, and supporting investment decisions that accelerate the scaling of AI technologies in Europe.

According to the report, the global AI race is entering a new phase. The first wave of AI was dominated by the scaling of large language models and computing infrastructure. In the next phase, value creation increasingly shifts towards applications in the real economy.

“Europe does not need to win the AI race simply by building bigger than the United States or China,” says author Stefan Leijnen. “Our strength lies in the combination of high-quality industrial and scientific data, safety, and extensive domain knowledge. It is precisely here that the next generation of AI is emerging: applications that are not only powerful but also reliable, efficient, and rooted in the real economy.”

Nextgen AI for applications in the real world

As publicly available data is processed, the next generation of AI will become more dependent on high-quality data from sensors, robotics, industry, science, and healthcare. This development directly aligns with Europe’s strengths. With leading positions in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, robotics, energy, biotechnology, fintech, and scientific research, Europe has a strong foundation to develop AI.

The report also emphasizes that reliability, data, and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important strategic factors in AI application. Safety and reliability are no longer just prerequisites but drivers of large-scale adoption. Europe can lead the way by focusing on reliable AI, open models and data, privacy-by-design solutions, and edge AI applications.

AI accelerates deep tech developments

At the same time, computing power, energy, and high-quality data are becoming scarcer. More efficient technologies, including AI accelerators, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, can therefore play a crucial role in accelerating AI innovation and application in Europe while contributing to digital sovereignty.

The report will be presented on Friday, 12 June, at the tech event Hello Tomorrow in Amsterdam by the author, lecturer Stefan Leijnen of Hogeschool Utrecht.