Europe’s AI competitiveness hinges on skills – POLITICO

First, AI professionals in the EU lead in green skills — performing jobs in a more environmentally sustainable way — compared with their peers in the US and UK. Today, 8.1 percent of AI talent in the EU have at least one green skill, compared with 5.8 percent in the US and 7.4 percent in the UK. Given that many green solutions are based on technological innovations such as AI, these twin skill sets can help power a productive green future for Europe. 

The EU is also leading on responsible AI, the approach to developing, assessing and deploying AI systems in a safe, trustworthy and ethical way. Among EU AI talent, responsible AI ranked eighth on the list of AI talent’s fastest-growing skills — ahead of global AI talent, where it ranked 14th. 

Developing Skills Can Unlock Europe’s Potential

The United States and China are advancing rapidly, driven by investments in AI and expanding digital talent. In comparison, the EU’s ability to compete may be held back by a skills shortage and slower adoption of new technologies. 

To foster Europe’s competitiveness, EU leaders must act now to embrace a skills-first labor market and invest in the AI skills of its workforce. By increasing access to AI technical and literacy skills training, the EU can unlock its workforce’s full potential. Fostering sector-specific AI upskilling initiatives will help workers and businesses — especially SMEs — adapt to the rapid pace of change. 

Additionally, making the most of available data and granular skills intelligence is key to this effort. To this end, partnering with platforms, including LinkedIn, which track the evolving impact of AI on jobs, skills and industries, can help workers, businesses and governments to navigate change more effectively. By leveraging these insights, the EU can drive targeted AI upskilling and ensure that digital skills development aligns with real-world needs, unlocking Europe’s potential in the age of AI. 

The EU can seize this opportunity by putting people and skills at the heart of European growth plans. When focusing on skills, we can create a resilient, modern workforce that will power innovation, drive investment and help position the EU as a leader in the AI economy.