ODI urges EU to balance AI protections with innovation promotion.

Open Data Institute (ODI), a non-profit organization, has published a manifesto stating six principles that the European Union (EU), in forming its policies on artificial (AI) intelligence and data usage, should follow.

According to the organisation, its European Data and AI Policy Manifesto was designed to help policymakers and regulators “navigate complicated digital reforms”, including the upcoming revision of the EU’s Digital Acquis [legal framework] as well as the staged implementation of the EU AI Act.

Although the ODI is based outside of the European Union in London, it has previously commented on EU policymaking. It was a member of three of the four groups that developed the EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice. It provided feedback on the code, and contributed to previous consultations. It also completed a project that looked at the

Secondary use of health data in Europe

This is not its first attempt at producing a manifesto. The ODI published one in March 2024 in the UK for data and AI policies, which was updated in

September 2024, following the UK general elections

“The EU has a rare opportunity to shape a model of global digital governance that puts the people first,” said Elena Simperl. Director of research at ODI. The ODI’s European Data and AI Policy Manifesto provides practical guidance to policymakers on how to build a transparent, inclusive and trusted data ecosystem that supports innovation and democratic values in the age AI. This can only happen through a robust, open data infrastructure that fosters trust through inclusive participation, effective assurance mechanisms and independent oversight.

According to the manifesto, it draws on the European Commission’s
The Competitiveness Compassis a plan that aims to “restore Europe’s dynamism” in order to boost its economic growth. It also draws upon the
Draghi Report by Mario Draghi, former president of the European Central Bank and former Italian prime minister. The six principles that the ODI has put forward to the EU include: a strong data infrastructure, open data as a basis, trust, trusted, independent organizations, a diverse, inclusive and equitable data ecosystem, and data knowledge and skill.

According to the ODI, the fifth principle is “limiting bias, inequality, and power imbalances; broader access data, infrastructure, skills… This applies especially when developing AI applications for high-impact areas like climate, misinformation, and public health.” It is also important that SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] as well as startups, who are often excluded from large data sets, are supported by initiatives such AI Factories, and their Data Labs, which are referenced in the AI Continent Action Plan.

In the lead position, principle number 1, a strong data-infrastructure, says: “Innovation, competitiveness, and regulation that protects individuals, their data, and public trust must go hand-in-hand.” This requires a future proof legislative and regulatory framework that is centered on people and society as well as economic competition. A strong data governance framework is essential to achieving this goal. It must ensure interoperability, support AI development and protect citizens’ rights as well as European values.

Data infrastructureis a special focus of the ODI, and it’s almost a shibboleth. It’s the data equivalent to physical infrastructure such as roads, power networks, and water supply systems.

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