On October 19, a bold move was set in motion by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aiming to harness the pulse of artificial intelligence (AI) development. The establishment of an advisory committee seeks to craft a national strategy that aligns with the rapid advancements in this technological frontier.

The Need for Speed: AI’s Exponential Evolution

In a landscape where AI evolves at a dizzying pace, Mitsotakis emphasized the urgency of being proactive rather than reactive. “This is not about the future but the present,” he stated, underscoring that the adoption of AI should be organized before it infiltrates daily life. It seems the Greek government is determined to ensure that chaos doesn’t reign when robots start attending family dinners.

Leading the Charge: A Team of Experts

At the helm of this newly formed committee is Constantinos Daskalakis, a professor of computer science at MIT. This brain trust brings together professionals from various fields—technology, ethics, law, and science—plus Greek researchers from the diaspora. It’s as if the Avengers assembled, but for AI, minus the capes.

Policy Recommendations Fit for the Future

Among its many significant tasks, the committee will focus on drafting policy recommendations that will influence Greece’s AI strategy. This component is vital for paving a structured roadmap for AI’s societal integration—essentially organizing the AI welcome party.

AI’s Potential Impact on Greece

According to the recent announcement, the strategy will consider AI’s effect on the economy, aiming to:

• Improve productivity
• Increase innovation
• Strengthen local infrastructure

It’s not all about robots, though. This strategy envisions a balanced approach, blending economic growth with societal well-being, avoiding the classic tech-induced dystopia.

Bracing for EU Regulations

As Greece is a proud member of the 27 European Union states, it will also be navigating the waters of the upcoming EU AI Act—a set of regulations that aims to provide a framework for AI use across Europe. Rumor has it that the EU is even contemplating stricter regulations for major AI models, leaving tech giants like OpenAI and Meta feeling the heat. Imagine them having to analyze their algorithms under a magnifying glass!

This initiative signals that Greece is not merely observing the AI revolution; it wants to actively engage and shape its trajectory. It’s a classic case of better late than never, donning a hard hat to jump into the AI construction site rather than allowing the technology to freewheel unencumbered.