Building a Resilient AI Future – For Real

What does it take to build an AI future that’s fair, robust, and aligned with our values? At RISE, we believe resilience is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessary foundation for long-term innovation and digital independence.

A Resilient AI Future We Can Believe In

At RISE, we recently came together for an internal futures workshop. Through scenario building and open discussion, we explored how Sweden and Europe could take an active role in shaping a democratic, technologically independent tomorrow. One scenario imagined Europe in 2035, having claimed control over its digital infrastructure—where open source, transparency, and shared AI regulation form the bedrock of both innovation and resilience.

This vision isn’t science fiction — it reflects decisions being made right now.

When the Swedish Tax Agency recently opted to adopt Microsoft 365, it underscored how our public sector continues to rely on non-European cloud platforms. At the same time, the EU is investing in digital sovereignty through initiatives like EuroStack and AI Factories such as MIMER. The direction of AI is clearly about more than just algorithms and data—it’s about power, autonomy, and democratic oversight.

RISE is deeply engaged in this shift. We contribute to AI regulation, lead research programs with ESA, and create secure innovation environments together with Sweden’s national defense. Through projects like DARE—developing European AI hardware—we help fortify Europe’s technological backbone. We’re working on AI solutions for information security and societal resilience, where technology serves people, not the other way around.

It takes courage. And a long-term vision.

Resilience doesn't mean slowing down progress

We must build AI systems that are robust to disruption, free from short-term commercial pressures, and anchored in our shared values. Resilience doesn’t mean slowing down progress—it means being ready when the winds pick up. It means taking shared responsibility—researchers, companies, public institutions—to shape AI in ways that are sustainable, democratic, and transparent.

Let’s aim for a 2035 where Sweden isn’t just catching the wave of AI—but helping chart its course. A future with trustworthy digital infrastructure, where innovation thrives in step with security, openness, and human needs.

That’s a future worth believing in. And building—together.

/Sverker Janson Director, Center for Applied AI, RISE

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