Expert discussion on the topic of "Artificial Intelligence"

Description

Media event on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Provincial Councillor and Deputy Governor Dr. Pernkopf with AI experts at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, IMC FH, Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences, and the University for Continuing Education Krems.

Subject

Deputy Governor Pernkopf: “High-tech and common sense: Seizing opportunities, informing people, and minimizing risks”

“We want to seize the opportunities of artificial intelligence and minimize the risks,” said Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf today at a press conference with experts at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. He noted that the development is rapid and raises many questions. “Artificial intelligence is no longer a utopia, but has arrived in cutting-edge research and industry and is absolutely high-tech. In Lower Austria, we already have several degree programs with a total of 1,544 student places that focus on artificial intelligence. In addition, we have received around ten million euros in research funding,” the Deputy Governor emphasized.

According to Pernkopf, it is better to conduct research, teach, and apply artificial intelligence in Lower Austria than to do so elsewhere. Nevertheless, he welcomed the developments in the European Union, which is the first region in the world to work on regulations, and also the announcement by State Secretary Florian Tursky that he intends to establish an AI authority in Austria. "The premise must be to seize the opportunities, inform the public, and simultaneously minimize the risks. AI offers many high-tech opportunities that we are researching in Lower Austria. At the same time, artificial intelligence will never be able to replace common sense and humanity. And that is precisely what we in Lower Austria want to stand for: high-tech and common sense!"

Professor Marlies Temper, M.Sc., from the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, is the head of the Data Intelligence program and a board member of the Data Intelligence Initiative. She stated that data scientists must thoroughly understand customer needs and translate them into the world of technology. They, in turn, must be able to explain this technology to the customers. This doesn't mean, however, that AI is always the only option, as a large part of the work involves monitoring and evaluating data quality. "Artificial intelligence is inherently unintelligent, but it can make our lives easier and relieve us of unpleasant tasks if used safely. The interface between research and teaching is therefore crucial."

Professor Stefan Oppl, MBA, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Art and Architecture, Professor of Technology-Supported Learning and Multimedia Design, and Head of the Department for Continuing Education Research and Educational Technologies, focuses his research at the University for Continuing Education Krems on the application of artificial intelligence. He notes that legal and ethical questions still need to be addressed. Ultimately, exploring the potential of AI is never just about "What's possible?" but primarily about "What's helpful?" “AI is a tool, just like a kitchen knife is a tool that can be dangerous if I don’t know where to grip it,” said Oppl.

Prof. (FH) Dipl. Ing. Dr. techn. Deepak Dhungana, Head of the Institute for Digitalization at IMC FH, believes that the best know-how available in Austria is of little use without the corresponding infrastructure: “We need to have the infrastructure in place to put AI into practice,” he emphasized, adding: “Otherwise, the know-how will migrate away because fully trained people go where they have better opportunities. We in Austria still need to do something to improve the framework conditions.”

Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Selim Erol, Head of the Institute for Industrial Engineering & Management at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, stated that his university, with its Institute for Industrial Engineering and Management (IIEM), is providing answers to the new challenges facing regional industry in Lower Austria. There, skills in resource efficiency, the circular economy, and the application of artificial intelligence would be taught and researched. "AI is no longer just a topic in computer science, but a universal one. Therefore, it is important that how to use it is taught everywhere."