Race to Catch Up in Artificial Intelligence

July 23, 2021 6:48 pm

Continental calls for universities to focus more on practical requirements.

In order for Germany to catch up in the area of artificial intelligence (AI), Continental is calling for a fundamental shift in the training of AI specialists in universities. “AI is a key success factor for Germany as a business location. Without a fundamental rethink, Germanywill fall behind the global front runners when it comes to technology,” explained Ariane Reinhart, Continental Executive Board member for Human Relations. “In order for the economy to have a sufficient number of AI graduates available, universities must focus their training more on practical requirements. Otherwise, our national economy risks losing ground on other leading economies when it comes to technology.”

As things currently stand, universities may indeed produce many, often highly distinguished AI scientists. However, due to the lack of practical expertise, these scientists are not directly available to industry. Reinhart said, “Measured in terms of the requirements of the economy, the graduates of AI-oriented courses are not sufficiently trained in practice-oriented aspects. “

We have to systematically introduce AI specialists coming from universities to actual practice. This requires a further three to five years of additional training – which is a lot of time in view of the speed at which the use of AI is developing in all areas, explained Reinhart.

Continental spends tens of millions on the training and further training of its more than 1,000 AI specialists each year. “The economy must let go of the idea that the universities are producing fully trained AI specialists. Due to the high rate of innovation and strong cost pressure, it is, however, increasingly the case that fewer companies are in a position to permanently invest large sums in the training and further training of their AI specialists,” said Reinhart.

“AI demands a different form of collaboration between the economy and industry and a culture of sharing. In this respect, we should follow the lead set by countries such as the USA and China. In those countries, for example, companies provide data so that science can develop and validate AI programs and algorithms based on that data,” continued Reinhart.

For more info, visit:  www.continental.com