Session 2- Where and Who Are the Capitals of AI?

13:30 to 15:00 PM
Studio 4

This session will place Brussels in comparison with other European and international AI hubs. It will explore what makes a city or region an “AI capital”: research excellence, talent, startups, public policy, investment, infrastructure, governance, or the ability to connectdifferent actors around a shared vision.

The session will compare different models of AI ecosystems, including cities and networks that have positioned themselves strongly in AI research, innovation or policy. Contributions from representatives linked to other AI hubs, including London and European research networks such as ELLIS, will help clarify Brussels’ specific strengths and gaps.

Meet the speakers

  • Tomas Lehtinen

    SPEAKER

    Head of the Data and Emerging Technologies Digitalization Department, City of Helsinki, Finland

    Tomas Lehtinen is the Head of the Data and Emerging Technologies Team in the Digitalization Department at the City of Helsinki, focusing on city-wide AI development and enhancing data utilization capabilities. He is an active member of the Strategic Cooperation Group for Digitalization and Data Economy, established by the Ministry of Finance, and serves as Vice-Chair of  the Eurocities Digital Forum.

    His expertise spans AI and data ethics, coordination of software robotics, chatbot development, reporting tools, digital twin projects, and open data initiatives. Tomas is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation within the city, as well as building a data ecosystem that supports ethical data utilization and digital advocacy.

  • Stelian Brad

    SPEAKER

    Professor at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (TUCN) and the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Product Management.

    Stelian Brad is a full professor in intelligent robotics and innovation engineering and management at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and was involved in several projects related to future skills and future of work, gaining relevant experience, expertise, and wisdom about human pathways for continuous education in specific contexts. As president of Cluj IT Cluster and coordinator of Digital Innovation Hub for Society, he had the opportunity to interact with companies and understand their challenges to have adequate human capital profiles and skills. In his position as president of the European Association for Structured Innovation (ETRIA), he shared a lot of experience in bringing creativity and innovation in educational programs, as well as the new forms of developing entrepreneurial skills.