错过互联网不能再错过AI，欧盟迎来背水一战

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that the European Union (EU) is at a critical juncture in the AI era, needing to enhance its competitiveness to avoid being marginalized in the global technology landscape, similar to its past failures in the internet and mobile sectors [3][5]. Group 1: AI as Future Infrastructure - AI is rapidly becoming a foundational technology comparable to the steam engine, electricity, and computers, reshaping global competition [5]. - The investment gap in AI between the US and EU is significant, with the US private sector investing approximately €62.5 billion in 2023 compared to about €9 billion in the EU and the UK combined [5][6]. - The EU has strong academic foundations in AI research, producing significant innovations and talent, but struggles to translate these into industrial success [5][6]. Group 2: Challenges in Innovation and Market Dynamics - Europe excels in basic research but faces difficulties in commercializing innovations, leading to a situation where many startups remain small and fail to scale [7][8]. - The European venture capital market is conservative and fragmented, with deep tech startups attracting only about €32.5 billion from 2018 to 2022, compared to over €120 billion in the US [9]. - Large European companies are less likely to acquire startups or invest in venture capital, with only about 12% engaging in such activities compared to nearly 40% in the US [9][10]. Group 3: Digital Sovereignty and Infrastructure - The EU is heavily reliant on external cloud services, with 80-90% of cloud services used by European consumers and businesses coming from US companies [11]. - The EU has initiated the "Digital Sovereignty" strategy, including the Euro Stack plan to build a self-sufficient digital infrastructure [12]. - The EU plans to mobilize around €200 billion for AI investments, including the establishment of large-scale AI factories to enhance computational capabilities [13]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - The EU must strengthen its digital infrastructure by investing in cloud computing, data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing to ensure technological sovereignty [15]. - There is a need to create a more supportive financial ecosystem for innovation, encouraging risk-taking and investment in technology startups [16]. - Cultivating a culture that embraces innovation and tolerates failure is essential for fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment in Europe [16].