AI, technological development, security – AGH University at Economic Forum and AI Forum in Karpacz -- AGH UST

Image of a discussion panel, five panellists sitting on stage in front of blue backdrops, large white letters saying "Economic Forum" are placed in front of the stage

photograph: AGH University

AI, technological development, security – AGH University at Economic Forum and AI Forum in Karpacz

06-09-2024

The 33rd Economic Forum and the AI Forum in Karpacz were abundant in expert debates and inspiring meetings. With its extensive scientific background in artificial intelligence, the AGH University has marked its presence during the three-day event, and our academics discussed key issues related to AI, new technologies, and cybersecurity.

On behalf of the AGH University, the panellists and moderators of discussions were as follows: Rector, Prof. Jerzy Lis; Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Professor Rafał Dańko; Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Prof. Rafał Wiśniowski; Prof. Aleksander Byrski; Prof. Ryszard Tadeusiewicz; AGH University Associate Professor Wojciech Chmiel; AGH University Associate Professor Joanna Jaworek-Korjakowska; AGH University Associate Professor Joanna Kwiecień; AGH University Associate Professor Paweł Malinowski; Dr Marek Długosz; Dr Dariusz Marchewka; Magdalena Ostasz.

Professor Jerzy Lis participated in three expert panels. At one of them (Formation of specialists in the field of AI - together and individually), with rectors of the University of Warsaw, Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Professor Arkadiusz Wójs, the Cracow University of Technology, Professor Andrzej Szarata, and with Dr Jarosław Homa from the Silesian University of Technology, Professor Lis debated on the formation of specialists in the field of AI at each stage of university education, good practices, and educational and research initiatives which may not only encourage to study the area, but also form a new generation of specialists. Without a shadow of doubt, they are needed in industry.

“The field of study of artificial intelligence was the most popular among this year's applicants. There are candidates and there is a market for them. The best ones choose AI-related studies. Industry needs artificial intelligence. We have conducted an analysis, and AI is increasingly being used in materials engineering, mechanics, and computer science,” said the AGH University Rector, emphasising how essential the cooperation between universities and industry is within this area. “We must advance in the way we approach AI. We must act together for the development of AI in Poland.”

photograph: AGH University

Image of four men sitting on stage in front of a screen displaying information about the panel, the title of the panel, moderator, participants on a blue background

The next two panels featuring Professor Jerzy Lis were concerned with some of the most relevant fields at the AGH University, both in terms of research and education. The topic “Critical Raw Materials: Their Impact on Security and Economic Development (in Poland and Globally)” provoked to seek answers to a variety of questions, for example, to what degree Poland may become a basin of precious metals, rare earths, and other metals for the European economy. In turn, the panel on “Data security in the Era of Autonomous Vehicles” pertained to the technologies of tomorrow and topics related to AI and efficient data set management. At the AGH University, such issues are handled, among others, by the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, headed by the AGH University Associate Professor Joanna Jaworek-Korjakowska, who was also the panel moderator.

During the Economic Forum, the AGH University Rector had an opportunity to talk to Minister Dariusz Wieczorek on the current challenges in higher education and science.

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The AI Forum, held as part of the Economic Forum, was primarily dedicated to the need for improvement in the way we use artificial intelligence. AI and its development are associated with a series of challenges that various sectors must face when applying said solutions. AGH University experts explored these challenges for others to better understand them.

The AGH University zone touched on the following topics:

The Digital Global Economy. How to Shape and Enforce National and EU Laws for Equal Treatment of E-commerce Players,
Equality in the Digital World: (Un)biased Algorithms,
Cyber Security. New Challenges and Effective Methods of Protection,
AI Revolution – from Vision to Reality. International Cooperation of Academic and Business Environments,
Can Artificial Intelligence Strengthen Cybersecurity, and If So, How?
Industry 4.0: AI, Virtual Reality and Robotics in the Factories of the Future,
The Future of Work: AI and Robotics vs the Labour Market,
Mandatory Youth Service: a Shield of Resilience Against AI and Digital Threats,
Bringing the knowledge about AI to those who will live with it every day – today's children and young people,
Artificial Intelligence – Virtues and Limitations,
Future of the EU Single Market,
Artificial Intelligence and the European Union's Digital Heritage,
Ethical and Social Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles,
Social Dynamics in the Face of Autonomous Cars,
Innovations and mobility: a look into the future,
Polish AI Start-ups,
Regulations and Policy: Legal Framework for AI and Robotics.

The AI Forum was organised by the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs, the AGH University of Krakow, the Cracow University of Technology, the Poznan University of Technology, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the University of Warsaw, and the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies.

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The 33^rd Economic Forum and the AI Forum took place on 3–5 September 2024 in Karpacz, gathering individuals with decisive influence on the fate of Poland, Europe, and the world. During the Forum, almost 6000 people participated in more than 500 events.