Approximately 70 participants came together at the ESBS-Austria spring conference on May 13 at the Haus der Ingenieure in Vienna to discuss one of the key topics of the future: Artificial Intelligence.

The event was opened by a video message from Mr. Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, expressing his clear commitment to the importance of key technologies such as microelectronics and edge AI, and highlighting how crucial these fields are to the economic future and prosperity of Austria and Europe.

During the event, it became clear that Europe has the opportunity to exploit its potential in the field of AI and take a leading role in the development and application of AI with a holistic approach - linking software and hardware, regulatory clarity, a focus on energy efficiency and new computing methods. Uniform regulations such as the AI Act create planning security in Europe, while other regions, such as the USA, are confronted with fragmented regulatory landscapes. 

One highlight was the panel discussion 'Edge AI - Europe's Strengths' moderated by Stefan Rohringer (ESBS-Austria) with Jeanette Gorzala (Act.AI.NOW), Gustav Kalbe (DG CONNECT) and Georg List (AVL). Among other things, they discussed how companies that use artificial intelligence in a structured and strategic way are already working 20-30% more efficiently today. At the same time, it was emphasized that a shift in thinking is necessary, especially in traditional industrial sectors - away from purely physical processes and towards data-driven business models. It also became clear that those who do not use AI often pay indirectly - through lost efficiency potential and missed opportunities for innovation. 

The program was rounded off with exciting presentations and insights into the European Chips Act 2.0, current IPCEI projects, the RISC-V project and Austria's contribution to the European quantum ecosystem.

Many thanks to all participants and the great speakers for the valuable insights!