Austria’s Artificial Intelligence Mission 2030 (AIM AT 2030)

The ‘Artificial Intelligence Mission Austria 2030‘ (AIM AT 2030) outlines Austria’s vision for leveraging AI (AI) to drive economic growth, societal well-being, and innovation. It also addresses the ethical and legal challenges that accompany such a powerful technology. The strategy opens by acknowledging the transformative potential of AI, noting that while we already benefit from technologies such as automatic translation and autonomous systems, we are still in the early stages of AI development. The scope for future advancements is vast, with AI set to become an integral part of many aspects of life, from decision-making to automation.

Goals of AIM AT 2030

1. The aim is for a broad use of AI that is oriented towards the common good and is carried out in a responsible manner on the basis of fundamental and human rights, basic European values and the upcoming European legal framework.
2. Austria should position itself as a research and innovation location for artificial intelligence in key areas and areas of strength.
3. The competitiveness of Austria’s technology and business location should be secured through the development and use of AI.

Austria sees AI as a powerful economic engine. It can streamline routine cognitive tasks that are prevalent in many sectors, such as scheduling, bookkeeping, and quality control. This efficiency leads to significant productivity gains, particularly in finance, insurance, and retail industries, where repetitive decision-making processes can be automated. AI’s economic promise extends beyond routine tasks, enabling new products and services, particularly in areas where expert knowledge is scarce. For example, in the service sector, AI can offer innovative solutions that were previously hindered by the limited availability of specialised expertise. This innovation is expected to contribute significantly to Austria’s economic dynamism, making AI not just a technological tool but a major factor in future economic growth.

The strategy also recognises that with great potential come significant challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the ethical dimension of AI. As AI systems gather and analyse vast amounts of data, they raise concerns about privacy and data ownership. AI will allow companies, governments, and individuals to access unprecedented levels of information about people’s political views, financial status, and even life expectancy. This raises questions about how this data will be used and whether it is ethical to treat individuals differently based on such knowledge. Additionally, there is the question of accountability. As AI systems become more autonomous, who is responsible for the decisions they make? These are complex issues that cannot be addressed by technology alone. Instead, Austria emphasises the need for a broad societal dialogue to explore and address the ethical and legal implications of AI.

The Austrian government’s strategy also focuses on the importance of research and innovation. AI research in Austria has a long tradition, particularly in fields such as logical systems, neural networks, and language processing. In recent years, new research areas have emerged, particularly in Industry 4.0, with applications like predictive maintenance. The government supports these research efforts, recognising that ongoing innovation is essential to keep Austria competitive in the global AI landscape. The strategy stresses the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry, ensuring that research not only advances knowledge but also leads to practical applications that benefit the economy.

Education and workforce development are other critical components of Austria’s AI strategy. The country recognises that the integration of AI into everyday life and work will require significant changes in education. AI-related skills need to be embedded into school curricula, university programs, and vocational training. This will help prepare future generations for an AI-driven economy. Continuous learning will also be necessary, as the rapid pace of technological change will render certain skills obsolete while creating demand for new competencies. Austria is committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning to help workers adapt to these changes and thrive in an AI-powered future.

The public sector will also benefit from AI, with the government looking to optimise public services through AI-driven processes. For example, AI can be used in public administration to streamline tasks like tax processing and security management. Furthermore, by adopting AI technologies early, the government can set an example for private sector adoption, encouraging businesses to integrate AI into their operations.

To support these ambitions, Austria is investing in the necessary infrastructure to support AI development. High-quality digital infrastructure is crucial, including the expansion of broadband networks and 5G, as well as the development of high-performance computing systems. This digital infrastructure will support the data-intensive nature of AI applications and enable Austria to remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.

Looking ahead, Austria’s strategy identifies several key fields for future investment and policy development. The country aims to establish itself as a leader in AI innovation, fostering industrial leadership and ensuring that companies have the support they need to adopt and develop AI technologies. A strong regulatory framework is essential to manage the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI, ensuring that AI systems are safe, transparent, and accountable. This requires both national and international cooperation, as AI is a global technology that transcends borders. Austria also emphasises the importance of aligning AI development with social values, ensuring that AI benefits are shared broadly across society and that the technology is developed in a way that is both socially responsible and economically beneficial.