Apply the AI Strategy: turning innovation into real-world impact

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform Europe’s economy, public services and everyday life, but turning promising ideas into widely used solutions requires more than ambition alone. To truly benefit businesses, and society as a whole, the EU needs to focus on applying its AI strategy, making sure innovation reaches the market quickly, fairly and at scale.

In this context, in our new Opinion INT/1105 Apply AI Strategy – strengthening the AI continent, we call for concrete measures that can help AI solutions move from the lab to real-world use. A key priority is supporting SMEs and scale-ups, which are often the main drivers of innovation but face the greatest obstacles. Simpler access to funding, reduced administrative requirements, and better support for scaling in the Single Market are essential to ensure that AI innovation benefits both economy and society.

Regulation also plays a central role. European business needs clear, predictable and proportionate rules that provide legal certainty without slowing down innovation. Regulatory obligations should be proportionate to company size and avoid cumulative or duplicative compliance burdens, which can be especially burdensome for SMEs and start-ups. At the same time, Europe needs stronger frameworks for data sharing and intellectual property protection to encourage collaboration, investment and trust in AI development.

Looking ahead, long-term investment is crucial for an effective AI implementation. The next EU budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, should provide stable, accessible funding for AI research, digital infrastructure and skills development. Dedicated support is needed for SMEs, regional innovation ecosystems and the transformation of digital innovation hubs into AI experience centres.

Finally, we underline how public procurement has a strategic role in strengthening Europe’s AI ecosystem and industrial base. Procurement rules should encourage innovation, resilience, security and sustainability of supply, while ensuring transparency, competition and technology neutrality. This will help European AI solutions gain scale and credibility.

Applying Europe’s AI strategy means moving decisively from policy design to practical implementation. By reducing barriers for businesses, ensuring smart and proportionate regulation, investing in skills and infrastructure, and leveraging public procurement, the EU can create the right conditions for AI to thrive. The goal is clear: an AI-driven future that boosts competitiveness, supports innovation, and delivers real benefits for businesses and citizens alike.

Alena Mastantuono, Study Group President of Opinion INT/1105 Apply AI Strategy – strengthening the AI continent and Vice President of the EESC in charge of Budget.