27 November 2024

To explore the similarities and challenges faced by Europe and Japan in the digital transformation era and to foster cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange - researchers, academics, and industry professionals from Europe and Japan met at Linköping University.

Conference participants from Europe and Japan met in Studenthuset on Campus Valla, Linköping, for the EJEA International Hybrid Conference 2024, 5-7 November. Photographer: Magnus Johansson

The conference was about the latest AI research and technological advances, and societal impacts of AI.

A human-centred approach to AI

Postdoc Katerina Linden, Linköping University.
"It’s notable that despite cultural differences, Japan and Sweden share a common vision for the future development of AI-driven technologies. We both prioritise a human-centred approach to AI, aiming to shape technology to meet people's needs," says Katerina Linden, AI researcher at Linköping University.

"At the conference, we learned that we can achieve a human-centred approach to AI through extensive user surveys, collecting feedback, and applying AI to address real-world challenges, such as cancer or the digital divide. We foster trust and acceptance of AI technologies by showing people that these technologies are truly made to help and support them."

Using AI to become stronger, empowered and inspired

This was the first time Linköping University hosted the EJEA Conference. The European Japan Experts Association (EJEA) annual conferences date back to 2018. Professor Fredrik Heintz and Katerina Linden were Linköping University's representatives in hosting the EJEA International Hybrid Conference 2024.

"European researchers can learn from Japan's views on human-AI relations, moving beyond the Western cultural tendency to view AI as a potential threat, toward understanding how humans can become stronger, empowered and inspired by using AI," says Katerina Linden.

Some conference highlights

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More information about EJEA

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