On October 19, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made waves by announcing the creation of an advisory committee focused on developing a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) in Greece. The announcement comes amid a growing concern that the rapid evolution of AI technologies could leave nations scrambling to keep up. No one wants to be the metaphorical turtle in a race against the hare, after all.

Why Now? The Urgency of AI Strategy

The Greek government aptly noted that the “exponential pace” of AI development has made it essential to form an advisory committee under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The objective isn’t just about getting ahead in a technological game – it’s about ensuring Greece is prepared for the inevitable integration of AI into daily life. Mitsotakis emphasized that awareness and organization must occur before AI becomes a commonplace aspect of our lives. “This is not about the future but the present,” he quipped, perhaps while imagining a future where even our pets have AI-enhanced collars.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

Steering this initiative will be Constantinos Daskalakis, a renowned professor of computer science at MIT. He isn’t just playing a game of academic chess; Daskalakis will be collaborating with professionals from diverse fields such as technology, ethics, law, and science. Adding a sprinkle of international flavor, the committee will also incorporate Greek researchers and scientists who are part of the diaspora, proving that even Greeks abroad can have a say in their home country’s direction.

Goals and Objectives of the Committee

• Policy Formation: The core task will be drafting policy recommendations that adapt to the fast-moving landscape of AI.
• Guidelines Development: Establishing clear guidelines to navigate the complex world of AI technologies.
• Societal Impact Analysis: Considering AI’s effects on the economy, productivity, innovation, and local infrastructure.
• International Collaboration: Ensuring Greece participates in global dialogues about AI initiatives, adding relevance and credibility to its homegrown strategies.

A European Perspective

As Greece joins the ranks of the 27 EU member states, it becomes subject to the forthcoming EU AI Act. The ongoing discussions within the EU suggest that more stringent regulations could be on the horizon, especially for large-scale AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s Llama 2. Talk about keeping an eye on the competition!

The Ripple Effects of AI

Ultimately, the establishment of this advisory committee signals Greece’s proactive approach to embracing AI technology. Whether we’re talking about enhancing productivity or igniting innovation, the implications of this strategy are vast. And, let’s face it, if AI is going to invade our lives, it’s better to have a plan than to wing it like some middle school science project. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!