EU's move to set a global AI standard: rights as a catalyst for innovation

The European Union finds itself at a crossroads where its next policy steps could become a template for how the world handles AI and data governance. At the center of the discussion is a bold claim: robust protection of individual rights can actually accelerate innovation, rather than stifle it. This isn’t mere rhetoric. It’s the core message of the Open Data Institute (ODI) as it lays out a policy path in its European Data and AI Policy Manifesto, with Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy at ODI, framing a people-centric model as both economically competitive and morally responsible.

A rights-forward vision for AI

ODI argues that a future-proof regulatory regime should weave together social well-being, public trust, and competitive pressure. The idea is simple in theory, but potentially transformative in practice: design rules that make AI safer, more transparent, and more accountable, and the market will respond with responsible, high-quality products. "Innovation and competitiveness must build on the bedrock of regulation that protects people," ODI notes, framing this not as a trade-off but as a mutually reinforcing cycle.

This vision arrives as the EU moves to implement the EU AI Act in a staged, coherent manner. In ODI’s reading, a unified, principled approach—where rights, trust, and innovation reinforce one another—could set a standard that other regions may look to when balancing advancement with civil liberties. The EU’s model stands in contrast to broader patterns in the United States, where the regulatory approach can be more fragmented, and in China, where state-centric governance has raised concerns about surveillance and rights. The ODI argues that clear, principled rules for responsible AI might become Europe’s soft power: a governance framework that others mimic because it blends safety with economic vitality.

Building blocks: data, interoperability, and open data

At the heart of ODI’s plan is a commitment to a robust, trustworthy data infrastructure—almost the equivalent of treating data governance with the same seriousness as physical infrastructure. The manifesto highlights several concrete pillars:

• Interoperable data ecosystems that allow governments, businesses, and researchers to share data without surrendering control or security. Initiatives like the Common European Data Spaces and Gaia-X are cited as early, practical embodiments of this approach.
• A consistent, pan-EU rollout of the Data Governance Act to test new governance models across member states and adjust as needed.
• Open data as a foundational layer for AI development, providing a broad, shared base for training and experimentation while safeguarding individual rights.

ODI also urges exploring mechanisms like regulatory sandboxes and incentives to expand access to high-quality data for AI training. The goal isn’t merely to amass data, but to foster a diverse and competitive market where startups and SMEs can participate on more equal footing.

Trust, inclusivity, and public participation

Trust doesn’t happen by accident. ODI emphasizes ongoing involvement from independent oversight groups that can provide checks and balances, along with broad civil society participation in data and AI decision-making processes. The manifesto also stresses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to counter bias and power imbalances—an especially critical consideration in high-impact domains like climate change, health, and misinformation.

To ensure those benefits reach smaller players, ODI highlights support programs for SMEs and startups—such as AI Factories and Data Labs—that help bridge the gap in access to large datasets. The broader aim is to empower citizens with data literacy, enabling more meaningful participation in the digital economy and ensuring they have a voice in how data about them is used.

The EU as a global model

If the EU succeeds in implementing its policy architecture consistently across member states, it could set a global standard for how democratic values intersect with economic growth in AI. ODI’s manifesto argues that the EU should export a governance model that others might adopt—not through coercion, but by demonstrating that trust, transparency, and rights-respecting innovation can coexist with competitiveness.

This global ambition involves more than rhetoric. It requires practical steps—careful regulation, interoperable data infrastructure, accessible datasets, and ongoing public engagement—to turn a principled stance into everyday practice.

Looking ahead

The ODI’s roadmap is ambitious but concrete: a European AI and data ecosystem that treats people’s rights as value-creating assets rather than constraints; a data infrastructure that supports robust AI development while protecting privacy; and a culture of trust that invites broad public participation and accountability.

In the end, the real test will be in the consistent and aligned implementation of these principles across all member states. If Europe can pull this off, it won’t just shape its own digital economy—it could influence how nations think about AI governance in the 21st century.

Key takeaways

• Rights-based regulation can be a driver of innovation, not a brake on it.
• Open, interoperable data infrastructures are essential for scalable AI.
• Public trust, inclusivity, and data literacy are non-negotiables for a people-centric model.
• SMEs and startups need practical pathways to access data and test ideas.
• The EU could become a global reference point for trustworthy AI governance.

Note: This piece synthesizes ODI’s European Data and AI Policy Manifesto and Resham Kotecha’s remarks; it reflects a policy discussion rather than a market forecast.