€200 Billion European Investment to Establish “AI Factories”

• Sean Edwards: AI will evolve towards advanced analysis and reasoning.
• Roberto Viola: “AI Factories” in Europe aim to unite researchers and companies to foster innovation.
• Khaled Morshed: Infrastructure protection is a priority for cybersecurity.
• Sameer Chauhan: Innovation is needed to counter political and financial cyberattacks.
• Professor Blade Nzimande: Investing in digital technology is essential for a sustainable future.
• Guillaume Verdon: The concentration of AI in the hands of major corporations poses a new challenge.

Dubai, UAE – February 13, 2025: On the final day of the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, in-depth discussions were held as part of the “Governance and Digital Security” track. Government leaders and global experts explored the future of computing, AI’s impact on financial innovation, rising challenges in digital governance and cybersecurity, and the issue of digital sovereignty—focusing on how governments and businesses can leverage modern technology to keep pace with advancements and achieve sustainability and prosperity.

AI’s Role in Finance and Innovation

In a session titled “How is AI Shaping the Future of Finance and Innovation?”, Sean Edwards, CTO at Bloomberg, stated that data gaps will shrink over the coming years but will remain limited to specific sectors, making universal access unlikely. He emphasized that organizing and analyzing data accurately remains a major challenge, warning against the risks of outdated or ambiguous information.

Regarding AI’s future, Edwards explained that current advancements focus on improving user interaction with AI systems. However, the next stages will witness progress in reasoning and planning, leading to advanced automation capable of analyzing data and generating new insights—enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of AI models.

The Next Leap in Computing

During a session titled “What is the Next Leap in Computing?”, Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, highlighted the role of technology in strengthening human communities. He noted that the internet has democratized access to knowledge globally, uncovering talents in unexpected places. Pei stressed the importance of user involvement in decision-making to ensure innovation aligns with real-world needs.

Europe’s AI Ambitions

In the session “AI from a European Perspective”, Roberto Viola, Director-General for Communications, Networks, Content, and Technology at the European Commission, spoke about Europe’s significant progress in AI. He emphasized the importance of the AI Act, designed to regulate the field and ensure safety and sustainable development.

Viola also announced a €200 billion investment in the creation of “AI Factories,” designed to bring together researchers and companies to enhance innovation and collaboration in AI development. He stressed that AI regulation is crucial to safeguarding human safety, while striking a balance between regulation and innovation.

Modern Challenges in Governance

In the session “New Governance Challenges Between AI and Cyber Threats,” a distinguished panel discussed the increasing intersection of modern technology and digital security. Participants included:

• Roberto Viola, European Commission
• Phil Guido, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at AMD
• Sameer Chauhan, Director of the UN International Computing Centre
• Khaled Morshed, CEO of e& enterprise

Khaled Morshed highlighted the critical need to protect infrastructure from cyberattacks. He explored how cybersecurity can be integrated with AI in system design to enhance data security and minimize risks.

Sameer Chauhan pointed out the growing threats from political and financial cyberattacks, calling for greater creativity in addressing these challenges through AI-powered solutions.

Phil Guido stressed the importance of partnerships between academia, governments, and businesses in developing robust data protection solutions, emphasizing that people must trust the technology they use.

Digital Sovereignty in a Borderless World

The final session, “Digital Sovereignty in a Borderless World,” featured:

• Professor Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science and Technology, South Africa
• Guillaume Verdon, CEO & Founder of Extropic

Professor Blade Nzimande identified digital sovereignty as a key challenge for nations striving for independence in the digital realm. He underscored the need for investment in digital infrastructure and skill development, asserting that South Africa must rely on itself to build its digital capabilities rather than waiting for external support. He stated:
“Investing in digital technology is not a luxury, but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable and independent future.”

Guillaume Verdon highlighted that AI provides nations with intellectual and operational leverage, but warned against the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few major corporations. He cautioned:
“If you do not control the hardware running AI, you do not control the outcomes of its models.”