OED Policy Design Sprint: Final Report

With support from the OED team and selected experts from the field as well as research and academia, the group of policymakers explored solutions to future-proof the European workforce – A workforce that, amidst rapid technological change such as the introduction of Generative AI, is being confronted with a changing job market, new skills requirements but also questions around rights and ethics related to the application of AI-driven solutions in the workplace. 

Ultimately, the sprint focused on one critical question: How can we raise stakeholder awareness of AI’s potential and risks in the workplace while addressing regulatory needs? The team also incorporated the challenge of balancing innovation and commercial secrecy with transparency and workers’ rights. 

After three meetings, the participating policymakers had a proposal ready: A pan-European AI Sandbox – or a network of coordinated national Sandboxes – to establish a controlled environment that allows businesses across Europe to test AI applications for a limited amount of time under oversight to determine which regulation approaches are needed to safeguard worker’s well-being while, at the same time, leaving room for the utilisation of AI for enhanced productivity, safety and other potential benefits. 

Furthermore, the initiative prioritizes stakeholder engagement through specialized training for policymakers and a citizens’ assembly to collaboratively shape AI governance. Find out more below!