How Sweden Is Leading the Way in Global Artificial Intelligence
Even if you haven’t noticed, artificial intelligence is starting to transform the world around you. Many countries are making huge advancements in AI technology, but Sweden is beginning to lead the way.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/artificial-intelligence-brain-think-3382521/
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is basically concerned with building smart machines that are capable of performing tasks that previously required human intelligence. Advancements in AI areas like machine learning and deep learning are causing a paradigm shift in all types of sectors, from the healthcare industry to the online casino industry. So, it’s no wonder that Sweden, like other countries, is embracing artificial intelligence in many different ways. Indeed, Sweden recently began to prioritize artificial intelligence-driven initiatives and opportunities in the country in the hope of becoming a global leader in the AI industry.
AI Programs and Initiatives Implemented by the Swedish Government
In February 2019, the Swedish government’s Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation set up AI Sweden to harness the opportunities provided by AI-driven technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and blockchain. The government launched the initiative in collaboration with the European Union and various agencies like universities and research institutions.
Sweden had already launched its Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program, commonly known by its abbreviation WASP, in 2015. But the program received an additional 1.8 billion kroner grant in 2018. Now known as the Billion Kroner Program for AI Research, it has become an integral part of AI Sweden’s mission and the largest-ever individual research program. WASP currently funds more than 100 students at Sweden’s four most prominent information and communication technology universities, helping to create the next generation of AI experts for the country.
The Projects of AI Sweden
AI Sweden’s mission is to accelerate AI usage for the benefit of Swedish society and competitiveness. The program runs projects of national interest in areas like information-driven healthcare, AI solutions for tackling climate change and improving mapping with environmental changes. Here’s a closer look at some of the projects in more detail.
Information-Driven Healthcare
AI Sweden in collaboration with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions is establishing a new innovative environment in which healthcare can provide a more information-driven, scalable, and personalized experience via the use of AI. New tech has the potential to completely transform healthcare for both the systems used and the individuals.
AI in the Service of the Climate
Everyone knows that the global climate crisis is becoming an urgent issue. AI Sweden’s AI in the Service of the Climate program is hoping to help. A number of pilot studies and initiatives have shown AI can help humanity manage several elements of climate change, such as collecting and analyzing large quantities of environmental, climate, and social data. Sweden is already a global leader in resolving climate and environmental issues, and AI will allow the country to take even greater steps to manage the climate challenge.
VAMLAV
There are only a few free and open computer vision datasets on the market, despite there being a high demand for them from many AI systems. The purpose of the Validation of Mapping and Localization for Autonomous Vehicles project, abbreviated to VAMLAV, is to create a new free and open dataset that contains things like high-definition maps that show changes in the environment.
How do Swedish people feel about their country leading the way in artificial intelligence?
According to a 2017 survey by the European Commission, 80% of Swedes feel positive about the future of artificial intelligence, which is much higher than surveys conducted in other countries. For example, a survey by the Pew Research Center showed 72% of Americans were worried about the coming world of AI. One thing’s for sure. The future of an AI world is inevitable, and Sweden is leading the way.
