Ursula von der Leyen
All peopleUrsula von der Leyen, full AI read
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Germany), ranks #31/500 on the Power & Influence Index (70.6). Greatest lever: Political power (86.0, Leading). Entrenchment 60/100.
Dimension read
| Dimension | Value | Standing | What a high vs low value means, and where Ursula von der Leyen sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PII Power & Influence (PII) | 70.6 | Leading · #31/635 | High here, near the apex of civilizational influence. ▲ high: near the apex of civilizational influence · ▼ low: lower relative influence within this elite set |
| Economic power Economic power | 65.0 | Moderate · #244/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean controls vast wealth and companies; low would mean limited economic control. ▲ high: controls vast wealth and companies · ▼ low: limited economic control |
| Political power Political power | 86.0 | Leading · #9/635 | High here, commands states, law or policy. ▲ high: commands states, law or policy · ▼ low: little formal political power |
| AI power AI power | 80.0 | Leading · #36/635 | High here, shapes or controls the trajectory of AI. ▲ high: shapes or controls the trajectory of AI · ▼ low: limited sway over AI's direction |
| Platform reach Platform reach | 68.0 | Strong · #101/635 | High here, commands a vast audience or network. ▲ high: commands a vast audience or network · ▼ low: limited direct reach |
| Institutional control Institutional control | 92.0 | Leading · #9/635 | High here, controls pivotal institutions and capital. ▲ high: controls pivotal institutions and capital · ▼ low: limited institutional control |
| Entrenchment / tenure Entrenchment / tenure | 60.0 | Moderate · #371/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake); low would mean power is contingent, term-limited or contestable. ▲ high: power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake) · ▼ low: power is contingent, term-limited or contestable |
Strengths
- Political power (86.0, Leading), commands states, law or policy.
- Institutional control (92.0, Leading), controls pivotal institutions and capital.
- AI power (80.0, Leading), shapes or controls the trajectory of AI.
Risk factors
- Significant but balanced influence with no single dominant lever.
AI worldview
Ideas & positions
Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the need for a robust regulatory framework for AI to ensure ethical standards and protect citizens' rights. She has been a strong advocate for the EU's AI Act, which aims to establish a legal framework for AI development and deployment. Von der Leyen supports the idea of 'AI made in Europe,' emphasizing transparency, accountability, and human-centric values. She has not explicitly taken a position on existential risk but has highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with safety and privacy. Her stance on open vs closed models is less clear, but she generally supports collaborative approaches to AI research and development.
What shapes the view
Von der Leyen's views on AI are shaped by her commitment to European values and the need for a strong, unified European approach to technology. Her background in government and her role as President of the European Commission have influenced her focus on regulation and international cooperation. She is also mindful of the economic implications of AI, particularly in terms of job creation and the potential for increased productivity. Her stance reflects a balance between promoting technological advancement and ensuring that it serves the broader public interest.
The AI-powered future they see
Von der Leyen envisions a future where AI is a key driver of economic growth and social progress in Europe. She promotes the idea that AI can enhance healthcare, improve environmental sustainability, and boost industrial competitiveness. However, she also warns about the need to address potential negative impacts, such as job displacement and data privacy concerns. Her vision is one of responsible innovation, where AI is developed and deployed in a way that benefits all citizens.