On May 13–14, 2025, the Law and Internet Foundation, represented by Executive Director Prof. Dr. Daniela Ilieva, took part in AI WEEK Milan - a leading European forum focused on the future of artificial intelligence, ethical innovation, and digital transformation. The participation was part of the Foundation’s engagement in the MaaSAI Project (Agile Manufacturing as a Service through AI Autonomous Agents) This large-scale international conference brought together professionals from technology, policy, academia, and civil society to address some of the most urgent questions of our time: How do we ensure AI serves humanity? What are the risks, and how do we govern this change?
Key Takeaways from AI WEEK:
1. AI is a System, Not Just a Tool
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a single technology - it is a transformative ecosystem. It shapes decision-making, rewrites job roles, and redefines how we organize society. We must therefore adopt a systemic approach to how it is built and regulated.
2. The Human Factor is Irreplaceable
Among the most powerful messages: “Only optimists change the world.” But optimism must be paired with vigilance. Topics such as AI-driven disinformation, algorithmic bias, and opacity in decision-making were central themes.
A striking example was the non-likeability bias - our unconscious tendency to distrust people who do not fit dominant leadership styles. This bias is not only human - it is being encoded into algorithms. This underscores the urgent need for human-centered, ethically guided AI.
3. New Leadership for a New Era
The conference offered a clear vision for leadership in the age of AI:
- Managers must focus on team cohesion and vision.
- Founders must connect ideas, data, and people.
- Leaders must reclaim the ability to listen, learn, and lead with humility and empathy.
Five key leadership lessons emerged:
- Stay curious
- Invest in trust
- Create space for creativity
- Lead with humility
- Evolve constantly
4. AI Frees Time for What Makes Us Human
If used wisely, AI does not replace us - it liberates us. It gives us back something priceless: time. Not for idleness, but for creativity, empathy, and vision. The ancient Roman concept of “otium” - a space for meaningful reflection - was presented as one of AI’s most valuable byproducts.
The Role of the Law and Internet Foundation
As a partner in the MAASAI Project, the Law and Internet Foundation is committed to contributing to a European vision for AI that is:
- Adaptive, but also responsible
- Innovative, but also inclusive
- Technologically advanced, but always ethically grounded
Our mission is to ensure that AI development respects fundamental rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.
Final Thought
AI WEEK Milan was a timely reminder: the future does not belong to the strongest or the smartest - it belongs to those who can adapt, reflect, and act with purpose.
