from the Finnish example, the Nordic ministers should support initiatives towards establishing regulatory sandbox environments to test the use of AI technology in a real-world environment. Our researchers have a lot of experience in developing approaches to design and verify AI systems, and in terms of securing the trustworthy AI, those efforts should be further endorsed. 8) Invest in human capital throughout career: The transition to a sustainable society will require new skills within a wide range of areas and at all professional levels. Everyone should have the right to lifelong learning opportunities in order to acquire skills to remain in the employment and manage the transitions in the labour market, including highly educated professionals. Nordic governments should establish the Nordic Lifelong Learning Fund administrated by the Nordic Adult Learning Network. Another important priority should be enhancement of the role the Higher Education institutions must play in securing the provision of the lifelong learning courses. Our cooperation partner, the network of technical universities in the Nordic and Baltic countries, NORDTEK would be the relevant partner to have onboard in this process. 9) Solidify efforts around privacy: The discussion on stronger rules and ownership of data is becoming urgent in times when biometric technology and location data for contact tracking has been introduced as a temporary measure to fight Covid-19. The Nordic Region can benefit from joint efforts in coordinating different national approaches while introducing new technological tools. Furthermore, there should be developed a Nordic appeal instance with governmental oversight – an advisory body enabling individuals and organisations to address the technological advances’ behaviour and decisions that they find potentially harmful. 10) Secure digital autonomy: Digitalisation of Nordic industries, preparedness for cybersecurity, fully exploiting AI technology1, attracting more talents, establishing tech hubs are the areas for the Nordic region to take a common stance on to diminish its reliance on global actors and unlock a significant value potential. Supply chains in the digital domain are highly international and interdependent. In the new geopolitical context, it is time to position the Region as a digital frontrunner. Today, when our world is disrupted by pandemic and new technologies, when Europe is threatened by disintegration and when our ties with other continents are becoming more and more fragmented, a reinforced cooperation is the only solution to deal with global challenges. Therefore, we ask ministers to re-establish the Single Market. Firstly, the borders between the Nordic countries should be reopened. The Oresund bridge has demonstrated how infrastructure can deepen Nordic ties. To continue with, the Nordic countries should support its EU partners and defend the four freedoms of the Single market. The wellfunctioning Single market is key to our growth and welfare as many jobs are directly linked to the internal market. The Nordic region might be a net contributor to the EU budget, but it is a net gainer from the economic integration2. Therefore, it is an absolute priority to reestablish the Single Market and to secure that it functions even in times of crisis.The Nordics should push to deepen the internal market, promote trade agreements far and wide and support rules-based free trade and multilateral co-operation. Moreover, the Nordics should stand with the EU partners. In the lack of global leadership, the Nordics can help the EU to take on this role. This requires that the level of fair play in the next budget is secured. The Nordics should wholeheartedly support the EU budget, and it should focus on areas vital for future across the EU. It is time to show our Nordic solidarity to the common EU project and getting out of the “Frugals” coalition! In addition, the Nordic countries must work on influencing the formulation and implementation 1 Existing AI domains can unlock USD 80 billion of value for Nordic businesses, corresponding to a 2 to 3 percentage point uplift in profit margins, according to McKinsey report: How AI will transform Nordic Business 2 To highlight Denmark as an example: In 2016 the net contribution of Denmark was 639 million euro but it is estimated that the internal market contributed to an increase of private consumption with 7,6 billion euro due to higher wages and an increase of GDP with more than 13 billion euro. Assessment made for The Danish Business Authority by Højbjerre Brauer Schultz. Association of Nordic Engineers: Kalvebod Brygge 31-33: DK-1780 København V: Tlf.: +45 29 74 39 60: www.nordicengineers.org: ipo@ida.dk
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