AI Business Strategy, Interviews, Open-Source Democratised AIResham Kotecha, Open Data Institute: How the EU can lead in AIMuhammad ZulhusniSeptember 4, 2025 Share this story: Tags:eugovernanceopen datapolicyCategories:AI Business StrategyInterviewsOpen-Source Democratised AIThe EU has a chance to shape how the world approaches AI and data governance. AI News spoke with Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy at the Open Data Institute (ODI), who said that opportunity lies in proving that protecting peoples rights and supporting innovation can go hand in hand.The ODIs European Data and AI Policy Manifesto sets out six principles for policymakers, calling for strong governance, inclusive ecosystems, and public participation to guide AI development.Setting standards in AI and dataThe EU has a unique opportunity to shape a global benchmark for digital governance that puts people first, Kotecha said.
The manifestos first principle makes clear that innovation and competitiveness must be built on regulation that safeguards people and strengthens trust.Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy at the Open Data Institute (ODI).Common European Data Spaces and Gaia-X are early examples of how the EU is building the foundations for AI development while protecting rights. The initiatives aim to create shared infrastructure that lets governments, businesses, and researchers pool data without giving up control.
If they succeed, Europe could combine large-scale data use with strong protections for privacy and security.Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) are another piece of the puzzle. The tools allow organisations to analyse or share insights from sensitive datasets without exposing the raw data itself.
Horizon Europe and Digital Europe already support research and deployment of PETs. What is needed now, Kotecha argued, is consistency: Making sure PETs move out of pilots and into mainstream use.
*Reporting by Artificialintelligence-news.*
