Winning in the Digital Economy Demands Embracing, Rather Than Shying Away From, Technology by Europeans
The European Union (EU) is gearing up for a major campaign to help its residents understand the importance of technological innovation for their future. The goal is to transform the current narrative around new technologies from "gloom and doom" to "hope and optimism".
According to recent research, the more Europeans know about algorithms, the more they associate them with benefits rather than problems. This knowledge gap is a significant concern, as nearly half of Europeans do not know what algorithms are or that they are already in use in numerous areas of life.
To address this issue, the EU could initiate information campaigns, working closely with businesses to articulate more clearly the value their technology offers. Automation is expected to create more jobs than it will eliminate, a fact that could be emphasized to dispel fears of job loss.
The tech sector remains the most trusted industry among EU consumers, and the EU should capitalize on this trust. The EU should also encourage member states to mainstream efforts to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in curriculums at the national and local level. This would help ensure that future generations are equipped with the necessary skills for the digital age.
The EU will face a very stiff headwind in progressing with new digital technologies if it fails to translate broader support for technological innovation from EU consumers into action. To this end, EU policymakers should avoid using language that inflames fear, such as "fourth industrial revolutions," "exponential rates of change," and "unprecedented technological disruptions."
Instead, the EU should share and spread a positive narrative around technology. This includes investing in knowledge and education to alleviate the fears of its population. For instance, the EU could expand access to European education programs that equip students with skills and experience matching the labor market's future needs, such as the Erasmus+'s Digital Opportunity Traineeships.
Finland, which is set to take over the EU presidency, has been advocating the importance of an "independently informed public" and "open and inclusive debates" about AI. Finnish MP and former Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka is involved in AI research and European AI networks.
However, public mistrust in technology is also being sown by the downgrading of the importance of STEM. Making math non-compulsory in high school (France), referring to tech firms as "digital gangsters" (UK government), and aiming to "break up big tech" (German Justice Minister Katarina Barley) are actions that could deter European workers from pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Around half of EU adults under the age of 50 believe that their company will disappear in the next decade if it does not implement "deep and fast" change. This underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for the EU to embark on this major campaign without delay.
Finally, 67% of Europeans want the EU to tax companies that automate work. While this could be a potential solution to address job loss concerns, it is crucial that the EU also focuses on creating new jobs and upskilling its workforce to meet the demands of the digital age.
In conclusion, the EU's success in harnessing the power of AI and digital technologies will depend on its ability to educate its population, foster a positive narrative around technology, and create an environment conducive to innovation and job creation.
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