The CEO of SAP, Christian Klein, has expressed reservations regarding the European Union’s plans for the construction of so-called “AI Gigafactories”. In a commentary published in the Handelsblatt, Klein argues that simply building data centers will not guarantee Europe’s digital sovereignty. He emphasizes that Europe’s digital future is not solely determined within server rooms, even those dedicated to artificial intelligence development.
Klein cautioned against a complete reliance on foreign hardware and software, stating that such a move would “lead Europe to the digital sidelines” and have severe economic consequences. Instead, he advocated for a redefined concept of sovereignty, prioritizing control and self-determination rather than complete autarky. He proposed a tiered security model, encompassing systems from fully isolated environments to cloud infrastructures potentially operating outside of the EU.
Klein’s perspective suggests a shift in focus towards the application of artificial intelligence. He believes that transforming business models, digitalizing processes and strategically implementing AI are crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainability. He suggested that policymakers could provide impetus for this transition through targeted investments.
SAP, a leading provider of business software, currently utilizes the services of various cloud infrastructure providers, including US-based market leaders Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft and Google Cloud. The company intends to adopt a similar approach for its artificial intelligence initiatives, leveraging the computing power of external providers.