MISSION KI – National Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and Data Economy
FAST, SECURE, SCALABLE – MISSION KI is setting the pace for ‘AI Made in Germany’
The initiative comprises three pillars:
Expanding the database for AI innovation
By networking data spaces across sectors and national borders, the database for innovative AI applications can be expanded and digital competitiveness, especially that of German medium-sized businesses, can be strengthened.
This project, which encompasses both existing data spaces and those currently being established, will be expedited through collaboration with European and international standardisation initiatives such as the DSSC and EDIB, in order to ensure European connectivity.
Creating transparent AI quality and testing standards
We develop and trial AI testing methods, comprising criteria and tools, with the aim of ensuring the broad and scalable application of AI – with due regard to the EU’s AI Act, of course. We also aim to provide a voluntary AI seal of quality for AI applications, in accordance with German and European values, which will confirm compliance with uniform AI quality and testing standards and will strengthen German companies in international competition. For its implementation, we are establishing partnerships with leading players in the field of testing and standardization, such as TÜV, VDE and DEKRA.
We will set up several AI quality and innovation centres to provide the environment necessary for testing and experimentation, while also offering opportunities for interaction with the general public.
Supporting the growth of AI innovations
We develop instruments to accelerate the transfer of robust AI research into practice and to promote the growth of outstanding AI innovations. To this end, we bring investors together with AI business founders and companies. In addition, we develop and trial a range of non-financial measures, such as AI fellowship programmes, to make it easier for scientists to start spin-offs.
I want to strengthen the development of artificial intelligence in Germany. And for this, we need a reasonable regulation of AI in Europe. One that is open to innovation instead of technology bans, and with standards that can be integrated on an international level. At the same time, we must also create better conditions for digital innovations in our country. The project MISSION KI aims at supporting the development of high-quality AI products. ‘AI made in Germany’ can become a global competitive advantage if we make it easier for our domestic AI companies to bring to market high-quality, secure and high-performing AI applications.
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport
MISSION KI aims to create the foundation and growth opportunities for trusting and competitive “AI made in Germany”. The result has to be feasible, reasonable and scalable, and shall support an AI ecosystem of trust and excellence in Europe. Being a leader (also in terms of regulations) means enabling opportunities, taking risks, learning and quickly adapting – while finding a fair balance between innovations and regulations. And to achieve this, we are bringing together the best partners, with the AI Quality & Testing Hub, CertifAI, Fraunhofer IAIS, PwC Germany, the TÜV AI Lab and the VDE. Together, they are leveraging their comprehensive expertise. Welcome aboard MISSION KI!
Manfred Rauhmeier, acatech Managing Director and Member of the Management Board
Germany and the European Union must achieve strategic sovereignty by equally strengthening security, resilience and sustainability . This in turn requires digital change that is economically successful and beneficial to society. Our continent has a strong research base, a diverse industrial landscape and highly educated people brimming with ideas. Data spaces are creating infrastructures for a fair exchange of data. We want to build on that. We want to create trust and foster cooperation so that we get quicker at the utilisation of data and at the scaling of new business models.
Jan Wörner, acatech President
Fundamentals of the project
1. What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) concerns systems and algorithms that are able to replicate the cognitive abilities of humans. These abilities include learning, the processing of information, decision-making and problem-solving. AI systems can be based on large volumes of data to identify patterns and contexts and make decisions. They can also be based on rules and logic to simulate human thinking and action. AI systems are generally trained using statistical methods and machine learning to improve their skills. AI technology is employed in various use cases, such as in the automation of processes, in image and speech recognition, in medical diagnostics and in robotics. The possibilities and use cases of artificial intelligence are almost endless and progress on these fronts will continue to be made in future. For example, the picture beneath the title of this page was generated using AI – such possibilities support creativity and work processes but also entail new risks such as the risk of deep fakes.
You can read more about this term and its origins here (in German).
2. What is a data space?
A data space is a federated (decentralised), open infrastructure for the sovereign exchange of data based on common arrangements, rules and standards. It enables companies and public institutions to share data safely and on an equal footing without having to relinquish sovereignty over their data. Thanks to the decentralised structure, consumers and companies themselves determine their contractual partners and terms of contract; that is, the extent, duration, purpose and partners involved in the sharing of data.
Control is thus gained and competence built up, which in turn enhances the sovereignty of market players. Ultimately, this also strengthens the European digital economy and, with that, the geopolitical sovereignty of Europe.
The EU and Germany want to reduce dependence on major digital platforms and cement Europe’s digital sovereignty. Thus, data spaces are currently being created in sectors such as healthcare, environment, energy, finance and agriculture. acatech is the lead on the pilot projects Mobility Data Space (MDS) (in German) and Culture Data Space (in German), which are already under way.
Data spaces promote innovation and fair competition:
Data spaces increase equal access to data for companies, public institutions and researchers
They support collaborations and synergy between various stakeholders, such as companies, research institutions and government agencies
They lower the barriers to market entry for small and medium-sized enterprises
They enhance trust between users and companies thanks to transparent data security
The analysis of information in data spaces facilitates personalised solutions
They improve the forecasting of and adaptation to industry trends and market changes
We develop instruments to accelerate the transfer of robust AI research into practice and to promote the growth of outstanding AI innovations. To this end, we bring investors together with AI business founders and companies. In addition, we develop and trial a range of non-financial measures, such as AI fellowship programmes, to make it easier for scientists to start spin-offs.
