The Horizon ENFIELD Final Conference, Advancing AI in Europe: From Foundations to Real-World Applications, brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and European AI initiatives to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in Europe and its transition from research excellence to real-world deployment. As one of the leading European Networks of Excellence in AI, dAIEDGE played an active role in the conference by contributing to two high-level panel discussions addressing both the future of European AI funding and the technological challenges of deploying Adaptive Edge AI.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion "AI Research Funding in Europe: From NoEs to AI Continent Action Plan and Beyond", where Alain Pagani, Principal Researcher and Deputy Director of the Augmented Vision Department at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and coordinator of dAIEDGE, represented the project alongside leading European stakeholders. The panel featured Cecile Huet, Head of the Unit Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Excellence at the European Commission, Dimitrios Tzovaras (CERTH), Prof. Dr. Georgios Spathoulas (NTNU) and Ana Solange Leal (INOVA+).
The discussion focused on the evolution of AI research funding across Europe, reflecting on the achievements of the Networks of Excellence initiative while exploring new strategic frameworks such as the AI Continent Action Plan. By bringing together representatives from the European Commission and major Horizon Europe projects, the session provided valuable insights into the lessons learned from previous funding programes, the challenges facing the European AI ecosystem and the collaborative opportunities that will shape future research and innovation policies.
In addition to contributing to this strategic dialogue, dAIEDGE also participated in the panel discussion "Edge AI: Robustness, Continual Learning and Real-World Deployment", where our colleague Ovidiu (SINTEF) joined Antoine-Alexandre André (European Commission AI Office), Sotiris Makris (University of Patras), Bert Pluymers (KU Leuven), Andon Tchechmedjiev (IMT) and Walter Quadrini (Politecnico di Milano).
The session explored the challenges of deploying adaptive and continually learning AI systems in dynamic edge environments, where robustness, trustworthiness and efficiency are essential for real-world applications. Building on the scientific achievements of the ENFIELD project, the discussion addressed topics such as continual learning, validation, safety, regulatory compliance and energy efficiency, while highlighting the strategic importance of Edge AI for strengthening Europe's competitiveness and technological sovereignty in sectors including manufacturing, robotics, automotive and industrial automation.
Together, these two panel discussions reflected the dual mission of dAIEDGE: contributing to the scientific advances that enable trustworthy and adaptive Edge AI while actively participating in the European dialogue that is shaping the future of AI research, innovation and funding. By engaging with policymakers, researchers and industry representatives, dAIEDGE continues to support the development of a strong and collaborative European AI ecosystem capable of transforming cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
We would like to thank Horizon ENFIELD for organizing an inspiring final conference and for creating a platform where European institutions, research projects and industry leaders could jointly discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence in Europe.