Reports/Position Papers

The case for Public AI: making it happen with cultural heritage

Developed through iteration and in collaboration with over 400 professionals of the data space and the Europeana Initiative community, the paper presents a shared vision for how the cultural heritage sector can contribute to a more democratic, pluralistic and publicly accountable AI ecosystem in Europe. 

As AI reshapes how knowledge, culture and history are produced, accessed and interpreted, this paper explores how the cultural heritage sector, supported by the data space, can help build Public AI in Europe — AI that serves the public good, not just commercial interests.

The paper sets out a clear and ambitious role for the data space in turning this vision into reality: from leading by example and applying AI in line with Public AI principles across our technology stack, to acting as a rights broker, trusted infrastructure, literacy engine, technical partner and collective voice for the cultural heritage sector.  

Read the paper if you are curious to know:

• Why is cultural heritage data so valuable for AI training?
• Beyond data, how can cultural heritage institutions and professionals help shape an alternative AI approach in Europe?
• What opportunities is the data space exploring to make this happen, and what challenges must we overcome?
• What is Public AI, why is it gaining traction in policy debates, and how can it address structural imbalances in today’s AI ecosystem? 
• What is the state of Europe’s AI landscape, and what role can our sector play in it? What partnerships are needed —and under what conditions— for us to play that role effectively?
• What are the risks of inaction — for Europe, for the future of AI systems, for the open knowledge ecosystem and for our sector?

Read the paper in full

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