EU institutional good practice initiative

The “Innovators for Artificial Intelligence (AI)” initiative is implemented by the non-profit organisation Science For You – SciFY and the ahedd Digital Innovation Hub of the National Centre for Natural Sciences (NCSR) “Demokritos”, with the support of the US Embassy in Athens and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and aims to train 1,000 Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence in Greece.

Purpose of the Initiative

The main goal of this initiative is to create an active community of 1,000 Pioneers in Greece who will know and can co-shape human-centric Artificial Intelligence (AI), leverage Artificial Intelligence to innovate and shape a better future for all.

The trained community of 1,000 will be composed of members of all professional categories such as:

• entrepreneurs, high-level private business executives, IT executives
• policy makers, politicians, Think Tanks, high-level ministries
• NGO executives, social business executives
• IT executives, IT students, tech workers, science researchers
• Social/Political Scientists
• involved in education (Gymnasium/Lyceum, Business, IT, Political Science, Social Sciences)

This community will be trained through an innovative program and will be networked and stimulated to be able to mobilize forces and collaborations in key sectors of the economy and society utilizing the latest technological developments.

The project includes

• the training of 1,000 pioneers,
• the website “AI in Greece“, which will be the central point of reference. It will inform about the developments, about the achievements of the 1,000 Pioneers for AI in Greece, will include articles on AI, educational content, etc.
• the creation of a supportive community of researchers, experts, consultants, etc. (from Greece and abroad) who will have knowledge, motivation and the ability to contribute with their knowledge and support services. This enhances the sustainability of the project,
• a networking and exchange platform of 1,000.

Training of the 1,000 frontrunners of the initiative

The training will combine theory and encouragement in practical application. It will be specifically designed for each different target group, and will include:

• theoretical education (training, attending seminars, buying/offering a book),
• action: organisation of at least one action on their own initiative, or participation in at least one initiative of another party (e.g. participation in a consultation).

The training will be completed in 3 years, with the aim of training 200 people in the first year, 300 in the second, and 500 in the third.

What is the expected impact?

The ultimate goal is to co-shape and leverage AI to increase impact primarily in the following areas:

• the daily lives of citizens: understanding how AI works, avoiding undue fear of fake news, participating in consultations on AI,
• the economy: taking entrepreneurial initiatives, creating new services, increasing innovation, creating competitive advantages,
• AI policy making: raising awareness of AI issues, helping to create an appropriate regulatory framework, protecting citizens’ rights, fostering AI-enabled entrepreneurship,
• impact of civil society action: leveraging AI tools to strengthen democracy, pluralism and more effective protection of citizens’ rights;
• preparing young scientists to make use of AI, regardless of their field of knowledge;
• strengthening the tools and role of Digital Humanities;
• better formulation and more effective implementation of the ongoing National Strategy on AI

Why is it a good practice?

AI is already changing our present and future with applications in all areas of our lives. AI skills and knowledge significantly influence the demand for relevant professionals, while companies that make effective use of AI can innovate and grow through appropriate training. At the same time, proper understanding and knowledge of AI can mitigate both the risks and the unpredictable conditions created by this new technology.

New practices for the development of ethical AI systems also require the development of digital skills for human resources and there is a strong need to shape AI in a human-centric and ethical way. SciFY has trained more than 1,500 people to date in AI, participates in the DIGITAL SME Focus Group on AI, the European Commission initiative (AI Watch) and the European DIGITAL SME Alliance consisting of almost 40 AI experts representing companies from all over Europe.