The OECD report on AI in Germany includes an international benchmarking of the German AI ecosystem and discusses progress in the implementation of the national AI strategy. The report discusses Germany's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in the field of AI. It also looks at the AI infrastructure and contains three special sector spotlights on AI in the public sector, AI and sustainability and the use of AI in healthcare.
Germany demonstrated vision and leadership by being one of the first countries to establish a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) in 2018. The OECD report highlights several of Germany's competitive advantages: excellent research and a focus on human-centred AI development create a solid basis for the development and use of AI in Germany. This research landscape also attracts skilled talents. Furthermore, Germany has a solid computing capacity for AI, although it is strongly recommended to facilitate access to this as well as to datasets.
Overall, Germany's efforts to attract skilled AI talents have been successful. However, more work needs to be done to expand the AI talent pool. Greater participation of women in AI research and leadership is critical to expanding the talent pool and narrowing the gender gap. Additional AI degree programmes and further training measures should also be created and promoted.
AI is becoming more and more integrated in the public sector. However, coordination, responsibilities and staff training offer further potential for improvement. The OECD also recommends updating the roadmap for initiatives in the public sector. AI is also increasingly being used in the private sector, but there is a conservative investment mentality that should be countered by increasing support for start-ups in the AI sector. The importance of AI skills among employees for the successful implementation of AI in the world of work is also emphasised. On a positive note, the report emphasises that the human-centric approach and inclusion in the design of AI policy has led to a positive attitude towards AI in the workplace among the German population. According to the OECD, the German government should continue to promote this approach and involve civil society even more.
The report also sheds light on the situation in the healthcare sector. The digital laws provide a good basis for the use of AI in the German healthcare sector, but innovation is being held back by cautious interpretations and a lack of interfaces. However, healthcare professionals and the public tend to see the benefits of AI in the healthcare sector in a positive light. Guidelines should be developed that allow access to health data and at the same time ensure data protection. In addition, healthcare professionals should be more involved in the development of AI solutions.
The OECD also emphasises that Germany is well on the way to becoming an international pioneer in AI and sustainability.
Further Reading
- OECD iLibrary (11.06.2024): OECD Artificial Intelligence Review of Germany
