There is apparently a lot to be won: According to McKinsey’s calculations , the 28 EU member states could increase their GDP by around 2.7 billion euros (19 percentage points) by 2030 if they consistently focus on AI technologies. The race against the United States and China has not yet been decisively won, note the consultants, although Europe still needs to take into account that there are significant differences in potential between the individual countries. For example, in a global comparison, Germany’s AI utilizability is merely average. Leading the pack are the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Estonia and China. Germany is ahead of some others in terms of automation, innovation and human skills and competencies, but still has considerable catching up to do with regard to the founding of AI start-ups.

The German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) published a position paper in 2018 with recommendations for action regarding human-centric AI in the industrial sector. In it, the Association called for the establishment of a pan-European AI strategy and the incorporation of AI into the educational system.