The CEO of German tech giant Bosch delivered a stark warning on Wednesday: Europe is on the verge of jeopardizing its future in artificial intelligence by imposing too many regulations. Stefan Hartung, speaking at a company tech conference, said that “excessive regulation” is making the continent less attractive for AI development compared to other parts of the world.
Hartung argued that a mix of bureaucracy and rules that are both strict and vague makes it hard for companies to innovate. He recommended that lawmakers establish a straightforward framework that encompasses the broader perspective. Otherwise, he warned, “We will regulate ourselves to death because we are trying to regulate against technological progress.”
The warning carries weight, as Bosch holds the most AI patents in Europe and plans to invest another €2.5 billion into the field by 2027. The company is currently working on AI for things like self-driving cars and making factories more efficient.
The global race for AI dominance is intensifying. The pressure on Europe intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a massive $500 billion investment in the private sector to bolster AI infrastructure. The EU quickly responded with its plan to mobilize up to €200 billion for the sector. Hartung’s warning suggests that Europe’s regulatory approach could put it at a serious disadvantage in this high-stakes competition.
