Strategic Access to AI: Slovenia's Path to Innovation

In a recent interview for Siol.net, Marko Grobelnik, a researcher at the Jožef Stefan Institute, emphasized that access to high-end Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools has become a critical strategic issue. As the US and China dominate the global AI landscape, Grobelnik supports the Slovenian government's plan to establish a national AI platform.

The proposed platform aims to provide citizens and businesses with access to premium AI models rather than just free, less reliable versions. According to Grobelnik, this initiative would lower the entry barriers for startups and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation across various fields—from technology to the humanities.

While highlighting the immense potential for AI to aid healthcare, education, and business, Grobelnik also warned of the risks. He noted that AI poses unprecedented threats to democracy through the creation of deepfakes and advanced information attacks. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of adapting the education system and the labor market to the exponential growth of these technologies, urging society to embrace AI tools proactively to harness their benefits while mitigating risks.