With an urgent motion of the plenary of Barcelona, the postulation of Barcelona as the headquarters of the Spanish Agency of Artificial Intelligence was unanimously supported.
The text of the initiative authorized Xavier Patón, Bonet’s area manager, to carry out the relevant procedures to formalize the city’s candidacy. This is a new organization. Its creation was approved on September 13, 2022 at a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
In addition to Barcelona, other cities competing for the location of the Agency’s physical headquarters are Malaga, La Coruña, Zaragoza and Salamanca.
With the creation of the Agency, Spain will be the first country in Europe to have an entity dedicated exclusively to oversee Artificial Intelligence, AI. This determination will allow Spain to anticipate the future European Union Regulation in this field.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation reported that the launch of the agency is part of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. In the 2022 General Budget, the Agency already has an allocation of five million euros to start work.
Requirements for hosting the Spanish Agency of Artificial Intelligence
Candidate host cities, including Barcelona, must have a structured and strong AI research and business ecosystem.
They must also be prepared to generate and receive multidisciplinary technical and professional talent, with expertise in AI systems, supervisory models and new technologies. Also in the fields of ethics, legal and social sciences.
They should lead the process of territorial cohesion, in order to promote equal opportunities and stimulate the business and social fabric.
About the Agency
The State Agency for AI Supervision shall have full autonomy, its own assets, independence and administrative powers. It will be a key body that will ensure compliance with European AI regulation and oversee the correct interpretation of the regulations.
He will also lead educational and awareness processes related to the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society.
It will seek to minimize the risks that AI may cause in areas such as people’s health, privacy, fundamental rights and security.
For its part, Spain is one of the leading countries in Artificial Intelligence from a humanist point of view, respectful of the rights of citizens.
The Agency’s physical headquarters also seeks to promote territorial integration and decentralization of public sector offices.
In Royal Decree 209/2022, it is determined that the Consultative Commission will monitor compliance with the criteria and requirements of the host city.
Good luck to Barcelona and the development of technologies!
