Still energized from moderating this panel at the Tallinn Digital Summit on inclusive AI infrastructure - born from a growing collaboration between Estonia’s Government and The World Bank Group. With two-thirds of global AI computing power concentrated in just three countries, we discussed the pressing issue of the “compute divide” with Kristel Kriisa, Stefan Lindström, Nicola Villa, and Fabro Steibel.
Three key insights from the panel:
1️⃣ Governments are starting to share compute capacity, and ideas like a ‘GAVI for compute’ offer a promising path for bringing that to scale - creating a global resource pool that ensures more equitable access to computational power, driving innovation and enabling solutions to both local and global challenges.
2️⃣ It’s not just about regulating AI, but regulating for AI, ensuring that both new and - equally important - existing regulations don’t stifle public-interest AI innovation. This calls for anticipatory, sector-specific approaches, and we have only scratched the surface on how to do that.
3️⃣ Inclusive AI requires engaging multiple actors, including the private sector beyond big tech. For instance, companies driving financial inclusion and social impact bring critical expertise and resources to align AI innovation with both public good and economic growth.
A special thanks to Nele Leosk and the Estonian Government for this meaningful collaboration. While it’s impossible to name everyone, it was a privilege to exchange ideas with so many brilliant minds. Special mentions to Luukas Ilves for a thought-provoking discussion on AI in the public sector, Siim Sikkut for insights on making digital transformation succeed across contexts, and the awe-inspiring Ukrainian delegation, including Valeriya Ionan, Galyna Pustova 🇺🇦, and Maria Voitko. Among Ukraine’s impressive digital initiatives, the CDTO Campus stands out as one exciting development to watch!