The government has received the roadmap and consultation responses - now action is needed
It is welcome that Minister for Civil Affairs Erik Slottner (KD) today announced initiatives to increase access to data and the possibilities to use data from the public sector. It is important that techniques such as synthetic data, anonymization and pseudonymization are now being used. Let's hope that Slottner keeps up the momentum and comes up with more AI proposals.
The AI Commission's work is complete, the consultation responses have been submitted and the roadmap is on the table. TechSverige supports many of the proposals - but the message is clear: it is time to move from words to action.
In recent years, the government has identified AI as an issue for the future. But despite high ambitions, the pace of implementation needs to be stepped up. In fact, the referral of the AI Commission's roadmap only delayed the work in many cases.
Many of the AI Commission's proposals require further investigation or commissioning - and in many cases a new round of consultation when there is a viable proposal. One example is what Slottner announced today about data sharing. There is some benefit in the consultation, for example TechSverige makes proposals on how the government should prioritize when it comes to increasing access to data. Often, this is governed by specific rules for a data set - so-called register constitutions. Reviewing them may actually be more important than today's proposal for increased data sharing.
A national strategy can have its value, but strategies are no substitute for concrete policies."
In our response to the AI Commission's roadmap, we highlight concrete measures to ensure that Sweden not only keeps up - but takes the lead. These range from investments in computing power and modern network infrastructure (5G), to substantial skills development and simplified regulations. Among other things, we call for a targeted GPU deduction for small businesses, a digitization-friendly legislation and an innovation system that actually promotes the use of AI in both the private and public sectors.
AI is a so-called "general purpose technology" where the benefits arise when it is spread throughout the economy and society (compare to electricity). Therefore, governments must act accordingly. A national strategy can have its value, but strategies are no substitute for concrete policies. That is why we propose a Task Force in the Prime Minister's Office to ensure implementation. Sweden's AI future must not become another document in a drawer.
TechSverige and our member companies are ready to contribute. Now it's the government's turn to deliver.
Fredrik Sand
Industrial policy expert