The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is establishing a new expert commission to advise on artificial intelligence and competition policy. Citing individuals familiar with the matter, the “Handelsblatt” reported that the panel will be chaired by Rolf Schumann, Digital Officer of the Schwarz Group and Co-Head of Schwarz Digits, Sebastian Thrun, founder of Google X and Rupprecht Podszun, a Düsseldorf-based competition lawyer and member of the Monopol Commission.
Further designated members include representatives from industry and academia. These individuals reportedly include Cedrik Neike, a member of the Siemens Management Board; Verena Pausder, head of the German Startups Association; and Björn Ommer, a computer science professor from Munich.
Government sources confirmed to the “Handelsblatt” that the 14-member advisory group is expected to begin its work in the autumn. The creation of this commission was previously stipulated in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD parties.
Rolf Schumann declined to comment on the report, referring inquiries to the Ministry. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action similarly declined to confirm the personnel appointments, stating that the ministry would make an announcement when appropriate. This marks the third advisory council established by Federal Minister Katherina Reiche, following the formation of an economists’ panel and a consultancy group for the defense industry.