Artificial Intelligence outperforms human abilities in mathematical calculations.
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), Europe finds itself playing catch-up, particularly in the realm of mathematical tasks. A new report from Accenture highlights the issue, stating that 56% of large European companies lack significant AI investments, contributing to a productivity gap compared to American firms [2].
The US, represented by companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind, is leading the charge, with a focus on aggressive AI development and deployment. Their AI models have achieved gold medal performances at the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad, demonstrating advanced AI reasoning and problem-solving without human translation [1][3].
Europe, on the other hand, is grappling with both funding and strategic challenges. It requires not only increased investment but also the building of coordinated strategies, upskilling talent, and ensuring responsible governance of AI capabilities [2][3]. Events like the Integrative Think Tank (ITT) 2025 in Heidelberg represent European efforts to connect academia and industry, but these remain nascent compared to robust US ecosystems [4].
| Aspect | Europe | US (OpenAI/Google DeepMind) | |----------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------| | AI Investment | Lower; 56% of large firms underinvested[2] | High investment and resource focus[1][2] | | Strategy | Fragmented; calls for coordination[2] | Coordinated, technology leadership[1][3] | | AI Capability | Emerging, research-oriented workshops[4] | Advanced AI solving IMO-level tasks autonomously[1][3] | | Application Focus| Developing research-industrial bridges[4] | Broad use in industry, education, research support[3] |
As the topic of AI gains more attention, especially in Europe, where dependence on US tech in many other digital areas is already significant, the need for a robust AI strategy becomes increasingly apparent. Europe's path forward involves boosting investment, strategic coordination, and translating academic AI achievements into industrial and societal impact [2][4].
Meanwhile, in the US, OpenAI has introduced an agent mode in ChatGPT, allowing it to combine information from the internet with personal data such as emails, calendar, and LinkedIn account, acting as a personal assistant [5]. However, this raises concerns about privacy, with security expert Miranda Bogen warning of a conflict between users and a "powerful and data-hungry industry that promises a golden future if we only give up our privacy" [6].
As AI continues to permeate our lives, balancing the benefits of convenience with the need for privacy and security will be a critical challenge. In the realm of mathematical tasks, Europe is striving to close the gap with the US, but the journey is far from over.
References: [1] OpenAI. (2025). AI Model Achieves Gold Medal at International Mathematical Olympiad. Retrieved from https://openai.com/blog/ai-model-achieves-gold-medal-at-international-mathematical-olympiad/ [2] Accenture. (2025). European AI Investment Gap Threatens Productivity. Retrieved from https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insight/european-ai-investment-gap-threatens-productivity [3] The Economist. (2025). The Race for AI. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/06/26/the-race-for-ai [4] ITT Heidelberg. (2025). Integrative Think Tank 2025. Retrieved from https://itt-heidelberg.de/itt-2025/ [5] OpenAI. (2025). Introducing ChatGPT Agent. Retrieved from https://openai.com/blog/introducing-chatgpt-agent/ [6] Bogen, M. (2025). The AI Privacy Paradox. Retrieved from https://www.cdt.org/insight/the-ai-privacy-paradox/
Europe needs to boost investment and implement coordinated strategies to catch up with the US, particularly in artificial-intelligence investment and development, as highlighted by the lack of significant AI investments in 56% of large European companies [2]. Europe is striving to close the gap with the US in the realm of mathematical tasks, but AI agents like OpenAI's ChatGPT, which combine internet and personal data for assistance, are raising privacy concerns in the US [5, 6].
