Regional AI Policy development in Västerbotten
Umeå University, in collaboration with Digital Impact North (DIN-EDIH), AI Policy Lab and ENAIBLER project, recently hosted a regional stakeholder meeting aimed at developing a comprehensive AI policy and framework for Västerbotten region (Sweden). This event brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including representatives from Region Västerbotten, the County Administrative Board of Västerbotten, Skellefteå and Umeå municipalities, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Research Institute Sweden, as well as local small businesses and academic researchers and students.
Notable participants from the ENAIBLER project included Peter Degerman and Carina Norman from the Municipality of Skellefteå, alongside Mikael Soderstrom and Ulf Hedestig from Umeå University.
The workshop featured an inspiring lecture by Prof. Virginia Dignum, a distinguished member of the UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI and the EU's High-Level Expert Group on AI. During the workshop, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on the current AI challenges facing the region. They explored collaborative strategies to leverage existing resources and assets to enhance AI capabilities.
The meeting concluded with plans for a follow-up workshop in the first quarter of 2025, which will focus on leadership in building a regional AI framework. This upcoming session will prioritize initiatives and focus areas to boost innovation and adoption of AI among SMEs and public authorities in Västerbotten.
