Since autumn 2020, the Standardization Roadmap (AI) has been identifying standardization needs and recommendations for action in the realm of artificial intelligence in order to strengthen German industry in the international competition for the best solutions and products in this field. A newly founded AI coordination group will drive forward the concrete practical implementation of the recommendations in a targeted manner and bundle and coordinate the work involved. This new group, set up by the Federal Government, represented by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), will act as the main hub for coordination, the exchange of ideas and participation for the entire AI landscape in Germany for aspects of AI relevant to standardization. It replaces the steering group that had previously spearheaded the development of the Roadmap.

Efficient networking of stakeholders

"The rules of the game for artificial intelligence are being written today. Standards and specifications play an essential role here. They ensure interoperability and trust in AI systems and thus make `KI - Made in Germany' possible," explained Stefan Schnorr, Head of Digital and Innovation Policy at BMWi. "In order to improve Germany's position in international competition, the efficient networking of all relevant players is needed." The new coordination group is accordingly broadly oriented. With representatives from industry, the public sector, science and civil society, it brings together all areas relevant to AI.

Implement and further develop the Standardization Roadmap AI

The coordination group will help to implement the recommendations for action laid out in the Standardization Roadmap AI by proposing initiatives, coordinating the parties involved and fostering national and international cooperation. "We are already working in high gear to implement the findings of the Roadmap in practice as quickly as possible and thus create innovation-friendly conditions for this technology," said Christoph Winterhalter, Chairman of DIN's Executive Board. The plans include lighthouse projects such as an implementation initiative for the testing and certification of AI systems. Beginning in autumn 2021, the Standardization Roadmap AI itself will also be further developed. "The focus will be on new priority topics, and new stakeholders will also contribute their perspectives," explained Michael Teigeler, Managing Director of DKE.

New impulses for the social discourse

In its work, the coordination group will strive to get more involved in the social discourse surrounding AI. The group will also make recommendations on important innovation and socio-political developments and on Germany as an AI location. They will also aim to provide concrete impulses and contributions for the development of the European regulatory framework.

The Standardization Roadmap AI was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and developed by DIN German Institute for Standardization and the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE (DKE). Together with around 300 experts from all areas of society, they analyzed the status quo comprehensively for the first time and identified the specific needs for standards and specifications related to artificial intelligence. The Roadmap therefore makes a significant contribution to the German government's AI strategy, as standards are the basis for the interoperability, user-friendliness and trust in this technology.

The members of the new AI coordination group can be found here.