Responsible AI / Panelist

Rolf Schumann

Schwarz Group

Germany

Rolf Schumann is co-CEO of Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group. Schwarz Digits offers products and services related to cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI that meet Germany’s stringent data protection standards. He is responsible for the digital activities of Schwarz Group companies, with a focus on e-commerce, loyalty, retail media, and digital innovations. Previously, Schumann was global general manager of SAP’s Platform and Innovation division and was the company’s CTO for Europe. Before joining SAP in 2000, he spent nine years at Siemens, where he was responsible for data center operations in Europe and for internet architecture planning. Schumann also founded Better Place, a company focused on electromobility.

Voting History

Statement Response
Organizations will be ready to meet the requirements of the EU AI Act as they phase in over the next 12 months. Disagree “As most of the companies are just getting started wrapping their minds around the AI topic, the missing piece is an ethical and regulatory mindset. Before companies understand their semantical view on AI in context of corporate culture and values, this step cannot be completed. Twelve months is a too short time frame for this exercise. In addition, the EU AI Act is strongly focused on a regional perspective. I do not see the majority of U.S.-based AI companies reflecting this perspective strongly enough in their portfolios and strategies. Therefore, it will take longer to achieve broader adoption of this regulatory approach.”
Organizations are sufficiently expanding risk management capabilities to address AI-related risks. Disagree “Most companies do not yet understand the complexity and impact behind “using” AI, especially in regard to data privacy and protection. In addition, its impact on human beings as well as society is not fully reflected.”