Invitation

INVITATION NORDIC AND BALTIC HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON AI READINESS

COPENHAGEN, CHRISTIANSBORG 30 AUGUST 2024

With the global rollout of AI and acceleration of related technologies, Nordic countries are at a crossroads, facing both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities. As societies, we share common traits and challenges. The decisions made by leaders today, whether it be in politics, business, and research, will be essential in determining if the Baltic and Nordic regions can successfully transition into a new digital age as strengthened democratic welfare societies, harnessing the power of digital advancements to enhance social equity, economic resilience and environmental sustainability. The issue at stake The Nordic region’s deep-rooted democratic and liberal values, combined with our open and robust welfare systems, provide a unique foundation for leading the AI transformation. How can we harness these strengths to not just keep up but lead the digital era in key areas?

Public-private collaboration is at the heart of the Nordic model. It's crucial that we leverage each other's strengths, learn from our collective experiences, and jointly address challenges that are too large for any single entity to tackle alone.

With this objective, we are hosting the first NORDIC AND BALTIC HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON AI READINESS in Copenhagen on 30 August 2024. Participants The forum convenes a group of carefully selected representatives from each of the Nordic and Baltic countries, consisting of public and private executives, and academia. Marie Bjerre, the Danish Minister for Digital Government will participate in the discussion alongside other key Nordic political stakeholders. Outcome and focus areas Nordic decision-makers have formulated a vision for the Nordics to become the leading Region in digitalisation, ethical AI, and responsible use of data by 2030. With this goal in mind, the meeting aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Ø Establish unified benchmarks for adopting AI and accelerating digital transformation within the Nordic Framework.

Ø Identify Nordic-Baltic best practices in AI, data sharing, and implementation of regulation. Ø Draft proposals for new models of collaboration to enhance policy development, knowledge

exchange, and the creation of cross-sector partnerships between the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Ø Propose particular Nordic-Baltic priorities within the broader European and global debate on technology, regulation, and digital collaboration.

Ø Incorporate meeting conclusions into ministerial meetings of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The discussions will take place within four focus areas, identified as key challenges and enablers:

§ Implementation of regulation on AI and ethical AI standards and practices § Management within the whole data value chain § Talent & skills § Pilot to production - bridging the gap between academia and industry as well as scaling AI

Discussions about common benchmarks and models of collaboration will be based on concrete proposals, which will be submitted prior to the meeting. Representatives from European regulatory bodies will be present on the day to ensure coherence and balance with respect to the discussions currently underway at the EU level.

Please confirm your registration by 15th of August 2024, by responding to this invitation by email to project coordinator Sofie Fuglsang: [email protected] We kindly note that this is a personal invitation. The final program and list of participants will be sent out prior to the meeting.

Practical Information The meeting will be held in Copenhagen, in the parliamentary building, Christiansborg from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on august 30, 2024. Physical attendance is required.

Participants are kindly requested to organise and fund their own transportation and accommodation. However, the organising team is available to assist should any challenges arise.

For any questions regarding the event or practical matters, please contact Project Manager at Digital Dogme, Jakob Sørensen: [email protected]

On behalf of the organizing committee, we hope for your participation and look forward to your response.

Karen Ellemann Secretary General Nordic Council of Ministers

Mette Beck-Nielsen CEO Digital Dogme

Lisbeth Knudsen Strategy Director at Altinget and Mandag Morgen Leader of the Algorithms, Data, and Democracy Project (ADD-project)

Andreas Holbak Espersen Head of Digital Policy Danish Industry