Bochum in focus: EU delegation discovers innovative approaches for change

Bochum in focus: EU delegation discovers innovative approaches for change

On May 27, 2025, a nine-member delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) visited the Ruhr University Bochum. The aim of the delegation trip was to collect information about approaches to a fair transformation of the European economy. As part of the visit, the university presented its institutions and activities on the innovation campus Mark 51°7.

The delegation received insights into several key areas, including the WORLDFACTORY research project, professional development at the Ruhr University Academy and the HumAIne competence network, which focuses on human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of work. The appointment ended with a tour of the RUB Makerspace, a place for innovative developments. The delegation visit highlighted the role of the Ruhr University as a driving force for sustainable transformation and social structural change in the region news.rub.de reported.

The importance of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in various areas of society and is seen as a key technology for the future. According to MEPs, AI can not only improve healthcare, but also make vehicles safer and services more adaptable. It also offers companies the opportunity to optimize production processes and gain competitive advantages.

AI is particularly relevant for the green and circular economy, machine manufacturing, agriculture and the tourism sector. To ensure that these new technologies are in line with societal values, legislation that puts people at the center is being sought. This includes creating a legal framework for AI that aims to support trust, ethical standards and jobs. A proposal to regulate artificial intelligence was presented by the Commission on April 21, 2021, and negotiations are currently ongoing between the European Parliament and the EU member states on the final form of the regulations, such as europarl.europa.eu explained.

Data strategy as the key to success

The success of AI development in Europe depends crucially on a successful European data strategy. Parliament highlights the potential of industrial and public data for companies and researchers within the EU. This calls for the creation of European data spaces, a mass data infrastructure and trust-building legislation. Two laws promoting data sharing have already been passed in 2022 and 2023, which are intended to help support these strategic goals, as well eur-lex.europa.eu informed.