Luxembourg’s High Committee for Digital Transformation Discusses AI, Quantum Technology, Data Strategies

On Monday 3 March 2025, the third meeting of the High Committee for Digital Transformation took place at Senningen Castle. 

According to a joint press release, Stéphanie Obertin, Luxembourg’s Minister of Digitalisation and Minister of Research and Higher Education, chaired the meeting, held in the presence of Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Luxembourg Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, as well as representatives from the Ministry of the Economy, the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, and the Consumer Protection Directorate.

The High Committee for Digital Transformation is described as a central element of the digital governance adopted by the Government Council (Cabinet) in February 2020. It brings together members of the government as well as representatives of civil society, employers, public research and experts, in order to promote discussions on the opportunities, challenges and issues related to digitalisation, to discuss solutions and express the needs of its members in the various themes.

The press release added that the meeting addressed national strategies relating to artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies and data. The ministries responsible for their development presented the executive summaries of these strategies, as well as the ambitions and actions for implementation. The High Committee followed the thematic workshops dedicated to artificial intelligence and data, organised in 2024. These workshops enabled the members of the High Committee to identify needs, challenges and opportunities in the areas related to data and AI.

According to the press release, the rapid evolution of digital technologies in recent years has transformed the economy and society, affecting all sectors of activity and the daily lives of citizens. Data, AI and quantum technologies are reported to be at the heart of this transformation and innovation based on them will bring considerable benefits to citizens, the economy and the scientific research sector in the public interest.

As a result, three national strategies are expected to be developed and coordinated by four ministries (Ministry of State – Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy; Ministry of Research and Higher Education; Ministry of the Economy; Ministry of Digitalisation) in order to identify complementarities and interconnect initiatives, objectives and actions.

The press release explained that the national data strategy formed an important basis for strategies related to quantum technologies and AI. With the data strategy, Luxembourg aims to highlight the importance and value of data which is a strategic pillar linked to the national sovereignty of a country. It added that in the digital age, data management and processing, as well as data storage and reuse, while respecting fundamental rights and the protection of privacy, are an important basis for the development of a Luxembourg economy that is prepared for a competitive digital age, respectful of fundamental human values and principles. In order to fully exploit the potential of data in the public interest, the national data strategy is reportedly aiming to provide an implementation framework for the enhancement of data in a trusted environment, through their use and reuse of data in Luxembourg.

The field of quantum technologies is also reported to be a rapidly growing sector, both in terms of research and economics. It is said to offer enormous potential for innovations and cutting-edge developments, likely to lead to profound societal and economic changes. The ministries said Luxembourg, with a dynamic and diverse quantum technology research community, has benefited from significant governmental and private efforts to develop a solid base of quantum infrastructure. In this perspective, Luxembourg is expected to consolidate its assets, harmonise ongoing initiatives and initiate new actions within the framework of a national quantum strategy. This roadmap is expected to prepare the country for the quantum era and position it as a leading player, by stimulating both scientific progress and economic growth.

The press release added that artificial intelligence has an increased role in the transformation of society. The government is therefore said to be determined to seize the opportunities that these changes offer Luxembourg and to guarantee the country's digital sovereignty within the European framework. The new AI strategy is expected to build on the country's strengths, with a particular focus on applied AI and its concrete deployment to improve the quality of life and economic growth. It will adopt a transversal ("whole-of-government") approach by ensuring coordination between all sectors concerned. The key points of the strategy will be human-centric AI, an efficient and proactive public administration, enhanced competitiveness of companies through innovation, and talent-based research.

Luxembourg’s Minister for Digitalisation, Stéphanie Obertin, said: "The three strategies must guide and prepare Luxembourg to become an even more attractive place for companies that wish to develop in the digital sector. They must respect the values and fundamental rights of all citizens, strengthen our sovereignty in the digital age and advance the modernisation of the State and public services”.

HOM