The future of computer science: third wave of artificial intelligence
Interesting article by Holger Hoos, professor of machine learning at Leiden University, co-founder of the Claire initiative and vice president of the European AI research association EurAI, and Kristian Kersting, professor of AI and machine learning at TU Darmstadt, co-director of the Hessian Center for AI and member of Claire and Ellis: According to the authors, the major problems this time demand approaches to solutions that scientifically and technically go far beyond what is currently possible. AI, in particular, as the next stage of digital transformation, is a broadly applicable enabling technology for a wide range of applications.
AI has made impressive and important progress in the recent past, particularly in the area of machine learning. The "third wave of AI" is about human-like communication and thinking skills. This, they said, offers enormous opportunities for Germany and Europe. The focus should clearly be on AI methods and applications that reliably augment human intelligence rather than seeking to replace it. In this context, it is also important to ensure that AI research in the public sector - especially at universities and public research centers - can take place at the same high level as in industry.
For this, there needs to be a critical mass of expertise in the public domain, including in Germany. The goal is to take a leadership role in the third wave of AI by networking the full range of informatics. In addition, there are plans to create a European lighthouse center, a "CERN for AI," that will provide a unique working environment and meeting place for top researchers from around the world. Such a center was first proposed in 2018 by the Claire Initiative, which now operates the largest AI research network in the world, and it now features in the European Union's plans. That would be a big deal.
Europe actually has an excellent starting position. What is missing is the political support to make the best possible use of it to turn it into a major, trend-setting European success.