Digital Summit 2024: International cooperation between innovation and regulation

Pillars of the Digital Dialogues

In the panel ‘Digital Dialogues – Outcomes, Opportunities and Outlooks of International Cooperation in Digital Policy’ Lew Chuen Hong, the CEO of the Singaporean Infocomm Media Development Authority, presented the approach towards innovation in the  ‘Smart Nation’. As a technology hub, Singapore also puts an emphasis on inclusion and interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of digitalisation.    

Sushil Pal, Secretary of State in Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, stressed the necessity of international coordination regarding digital trade and data protection. Bilateral and multilateral partnerships are essential to promote topic such as digital security and freedom on the internet, emphasised Head of Department Benjamin Brake from the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.  

The Digital Dialogues are creating a basis for cooperation that takes cultural differences into account, advances innovation and protects users. Lew Chuen Hong summed up the importance of user-centred approach: “It’s not about the government, but the people”.  

Artificial intelligence: risk or opportunity?  

The second panel elaborated on global challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI): Nicole Büttner from Merantix Momentum, Patrik Gayer from Silo AI and Matthias Spielkamp from AlgorithmWatch discussed the balance between regulation and promoting innovation with Lew Chuen Hong and Benjamin Brake. Differences in the definition of AI and criticism of the EU AI Act showed how important a coordinated international approach is. The panellists emphasised that regulations must protect the rights of users without restricting innovation. It was recommended to advance digital literacy and support responsible AI use by providing toolboxes for companies and governments and educational programs.  

Digital dialogues as a basis for international cooperation

The discussions at the summit highlight the relevance of bilateral formats such as the digital dialogues for international exchange on AI, digitalisation and regulation. The digital dialogues are based on cooperation between civil society, business and the state and create a basis for national digital strategies that consider digital inclusion, education and suitable economic framework conditions.