Strengthening Europe's position in artificial intelligence through science, technology and education

The over 50 leading universities of science and technology from across Europe, united within CESAER, affirm their support for the goal to enhance Europe’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and advocate to adopt a European model that empowers researchers and innovators to lead the European AI future.

• The position is available here for download and dissemination [PDF]

This position highlights the strategic imperative to empower universities, researchers, innovators and their communities to lead a distinct European model for AI—rooted in trust, openness, and excellence. By supporting frontier research, interdisciplinarity, and tailored policy frameworks, Europe can set a global benchmark for human-centred AI and strengthen its long-term competitiveness.

To achieve this, we recommend:

1. adopting a European model that empowers researchers and innovators to lead the European AI future;
2. seizing the momentum to deliver AI in and for science and technology;
3. enabling researchers and innovators to lead: building a competitive and trustworthy AI model for Europe;
4. educating, retaining and attracting AI talent;
5. ensuring openness with security and responsibility;
6. delivering strategic autonomy through sustainable investment.

“To strengthen its position in AI, Europe must connect education, research, and innovation through sustainable investment in talent and infrastructure. As universities already anchor ecosystems that turn scientific breakthroughs and technological developments into societal benefits, empowering them helps ensure that Europe not only competes—but contributes distinctively to shaping AI development that reflects our values and drives global progress.”

-- Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin.

“Europe’s global AI competitiveness depends on empowering researchers, innovators and their institutions to lead. By adopting a uniquely European model grounded in scientific integrity and open collaboration, we can build competitive and trustworthy AI that advances scientific discovery and technological innovation to serve society. It is a strategic imperative to secure Europe’s competitiveness and ability to shape and influence the global AI landscape.”

-- Per Michael Johansen, CESAER Envoy to the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU and Rector of Aalborg University.

"A European approach to AI must align openness with security and responsibility, and ensure they go hand in hand. Rooted in open science and research integrity, trustworthy AI should be driven by researchers and innovators across disciplines. In this context, collaboration with long-standing, like-minded partners is essential to safeguard sensitive technologies while advancing open, ethical innovation. For these reasons, openness and security should be the pillars of a balanced and effective European contribution to global AI development."

-- Simone Rehm, Co-Chair Task Force Openness of Science and Technology and Vice-Rector of University of Stuttgart.

For more information, contact our Information & Communication Officer Justine Moynat.