Agenda Digitale: Artificial Intelligence – What is the Impact on the Three Pillars of Our Society
Source:
- Agenda Digitale, published on March 21st, 2025
By Pierluigi Casale (Associate Professor and Area Chair in AI of OPIT, Open Institute of Technology)
AI is revolutionizing institutions and education, but also our daily lives, improving decision-making and energy efficiency, city management, and personalizing learning. Current choices will determine the future of this technology, which must remain a support for humans and not an uncontrolled substitute.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now at the center of a global debate that touches on regulatory, ethical, geopolitical and applicative aspects. Its evolution, from an experimental technology to an essential tool for analysis and automation, has led to the need for a clear regulatory framework and responsible use.
In my role as an official of the European Parliament, I work on the implementation and oversight of AI systems within the European institutions, contributing to the regulation and management of the challenges that this technology brings. It is important to underline that this article represents only my personal opinion and in no way represents an official position of the European Parliament.
Europe and the regulation of artificial intelligence
Europe is tackling the challenge of regulating AI with the AI Act Regulation, the first comprehensive framework for this instrument. The aim is to find a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights, preventing big tech companies from shaping legislation to their advantage.
Artificial intelligence is nothing more than advanced software and, as such, must be carefully regulated. If used correctly, it can represent an extraordinary opportunity to improve the efficiency and accessibility of information, but it is essential to avoid abuse and market distortions. Something is moving. The AI Act came into force on August 1, 2024. Starting from February 2, 2025, new restrictions have been introduced on some AI practices deemed dangerous , while from August 2, 2025, the full application of governance rules and obligations for general AI models will begin, including verification processes to ensure compliance of AI systems already in use in companies and institutions.
The Ethical Challenges and Risks of AI: Bias, Privacy and Autonomy
Yet there are still several aspects to be fixed. One of the most evident problems of AI concerns algorithmic bias. Facial recognition systems, for example, have returned discriminatory content towards ethnic groups not adequately represented in the training data. This is a clear signal of the need for more inclusive and transparent models.
But there are other open problems: regarding privacy, for example, some AI models (such as DeepSeek) collect sensitive data, including the way we type on the keyboard; the issue of the spread of fake news or autonomy of choice is also always current, just think of the risks that delegating critical decisions to AI in the medical, legal or financial fields can entail. Regulation must ensure that AI remains a support tool and not an uncontrolled substitute for human evaluation.
This is the starting point. If established, shared and guaranteed, then AI can truly be the fulcrum around which the industrial revolution of this century revolves. In some areas it is already like this.
The impact of AI on three pillars of our society : institutions, education and daily life
Once this perimeter is defined, artificial intelligence can have a revolutionary impact on three fundamental pillars of our society: institutions, education and the quality of daily life.
AI in Institutions: Opportunities and Limitations
In institutions, AI can improve the efficiency of decision-making processes, data management and infrastructure security, contributing to more transparent and responsive governance; in education systems, it allows for personalizing learning, supporting the development of digital skills and reducing inequalities in access to knowledge; while, in terms of sustainability and urban management, it offers solutions to optimize energy consumption, improve mobility and promote the creation of more resilient and inclusive smart cities. The common thread that unites these areas is the need for synergic and conscious innovation, capable of integrating AI and putting it at the service of man, ensuring that technological progress is not an end in itself, but oriented towards collective well-being and sustainable development.
AI has been introduced in various institutions, including public ones, to support translators, improving productivity and accuracy. Other very advanced systems allow extracting key information from complex legislative texts. AI is used to protect IT infrastructure and manage data. However, there are significant limitations. For example, a large number of these technologies are trained only on majority languages (English, French, German), creating problems for languages whose presence in the digital world is minority, such as Lithuanian or Maltese. Furthermore, with the entry into force of new regulations, it will be essential to verify that all AI systems used in institutions comply with the criteria of transparency, fairness and security.
AI in Education: Personalization and Democratization of Learning
While AI is revolutionizing institutional and legislative dynamics, its impact is equally significant in the field of education, where it offers new opportunities to personalize learning and improve teaching effectiveness. AI is transforming the way we learn and teach. At OPIT, the university where I teach, we use generative AI to personalize training courses, adapting content to the learning style of each student, improve access to information, with tools that explain code and transform programming languages, support students in checking code, identifying errors and suggesting improvements. AI can democratize education, making it more flexible and effective, without replacing the teacher but acting as a Copilot, an intelligent assistant that guides the student on his path.
AI for sustainability and quality of urban life
In addition to transforming institutions and education systems, AI is also proving its value in areas that are crucial to sustainability and quality of life , such as energy efficiency and city management. For example, DeepMind developed an AI system that significantly improved the energy efficiency of Google’s data centres. This system reduced the energy used for cooling by 40%, leading to an overall improvement of 15% in energy efficiency in some data centres. AI now directly controls cooling systems at some sites, again under human supervision, demonstrating the potential of AI to reduce energy consumption in energy-intensive sectors. Or, with products like TomTom’s Traffic Index, it helps redistribute traffic in cities, reducing congestion.
According to one study, using real-time data for traffic management can reduce commute times in cities by 15-20%. In addition, AI could revolutionize urban resource management, although the full realization of smart cities is still far away. The main obstacle remains the lack of adequate infrastructure in public institutions, which often lack the necessary computational resources.
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More and more students are turning to careers in computer science, and it’s easy to see why. The world is becoming increasingly reliant on and powered by modern technology with every passing day.
Emerging innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are set to change the face of countless industries. This means qualifications in computer science unlock the doors to countless job opportunities.
However, this is also a dynamic and rapidly changing field – a field that demands a distinct set of core skills to not only achieve success, but also future-proof your career for years to come.
The Importance and Value of Computer Science and Cloud Computing Qualifications
Official statistics show that the European cloud computing market is set to experience an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 23% in the coming years, moving from a value of €110 billion in 2024 to a lower-end estimate €250 billion by 2028, and it won’t stop there.
The same sort of growth is being seen across the full spectrum of computer science fields and industries, with emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing all spearheading the surging value and importance of these sectors.
The increasing shift away from conventional computing towards cloud computing shows just how quickly the technological world changes and evolves. It also demonstrates the need for professionals with a wide and varied range of skills, plus the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Those who can bring these skills to the table, supported by a comprehensive education and effective computer science qualifications, can enjoy:
- Entry into job markets that have exceptionally high levels of demand.
- Diverse career opportunities in fields that range from AI and machine learning to computer engineering and software development.
- Competitive salaries, with consistently high rates offered all around the world.
- Job security and stability, given the ever-increasing significance of technology in the modern world.
Core Skills to Master for Long Careers in Computer Science
Next, let’s look into the actual specific skills that computer science students and aspiring leaders will need to master to secure their futures.
Programming Languages
Being able to work with code is the bedrock of almost any career in computer science. Aspiring scientists will need to master one or several programming languages, including Java for building business and web apps, Python for web development, and C++ for system programming.
Networks and Architectures
Computer scientists also need a strong core knowledge of the fundamentals of the computing world, like how networks function, the various protocols and architectures that control the flow of data from device to device, etc.
Algorithms and Data
Algorithms play a fundamental role in fields like AI and machine learning, so computer scientists must understand how different algorithms and data structures drive computing processes, problem-solving, and development.
Software Development
Computer scientists may spend much of their time working on development projects post-graduation, which may include apps for the web, business, mobile, and more. A strong understanding of the stages of the software development lifecycle and processes involved is, therefore, essential.
Cloud Computing
With cloud computing growing in importance, unlocking whole new fields, like software as a service (SaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS), the computer scientists of tomorrow will also need to have intricate knowledge of how cloud computing works and the potential it holds.
Soft Skills
Along with the many technical skills listed above, computer scientists will also benefit from vital soft skills that will help them when collaborating with others, presenting their ideas, driving innovation in their chosen fields, leading teams, and managing projects. These skills include:
- Being able to communicate effectively, both with fellow computer scientists and non-technical audiences as well
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that help scientists understand and respond to challenges
- Adaptability, so that scientists can keep on learning, evolving their skill sets, and embracing new tech and ideas as they emerge
- The ability to work as part of a team, often fundamental for large-scale computing projects
- Attention to detail that allows you to spot that single line of code that needs fixing, or for tasks like debugging and data interpretation
Get the Best Start With a BSc in Computer Science at OPIT
We’ve seen the skills you need to succeed in computer science and cloud computing for years to come, but one question remains: where is the best place to gain these skills and acquire the necessary knowledge for genuine long-term success?
The answer: the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).
An exclusively online learning platform specializing in computer science and digital business, OPIT offers a curated collection of online degrees for tomorrow’s technology leaders, including a Foundation Program for beginners, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees for the most experienced students.
Why Study at OPIT?
Advantages of studying with OPIT include:
- Accessible and flexible online learning to suit your needs and pace
- A focus on real-world applications of the skills and knowledge imparted
- A leading team of top tutors and professors from diverse fields and nations
- An international community of students with which to collaborate
- Progressive assessment of skills and knowledge, as opposed to exam-heavy schedules
Those planning pathways into computer science and cloud computing are best served by OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program.
Lasting six terms and worth 180 ECTS credits, this fully remote, online, and accredited undergraduate degree was developed with insights from industry leaders, academics, and employers within the IT industry.
It equips graduates with both the fundamental theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in technology, as well as the practical skills required to enter the world of work and immediately innovate in fields like programming, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and cloud computing.
Like other courses and programs available at OPIT, this BSc in Computer Science provides students with a flexible learning program involving a mixture of recorded and engaging live content, progressive assessment, fast-track options for those who study at a faster pace, and round-the-clock accessibility to tutors and fellow learners.
If you feel that computer science or cloud computing is the right path for you, and you want to secure the foundational skills you need to succeed, consider the OPIT BSc in Computer Science to help you achieve your dreams.
On September 8, 2025, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) officially inaugurated its 2025/26 academic year, welcoming a whole host of new students into the institute, ready to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be the tech industry leaders of tomorrow.
Faculty members, guest speakers from around the world, and hundreds of students from over 100 nations were all in attendance at the online inauguration event. Among them was one new student on the MSc in Responsible AI program: Rem Lampa, also known by his online alias, Kuya Dev.
A Filipino podcaster, speaker, and developer, Kuya Dev documented the inauguration experience in a YouTube video, sharing his thoughts on the event. Here’s a detailed look at his experience, showing the welcoming and effective way in which new OPIT students are brought into the institute from the first day.
An Overview of the Inauguration Event
The latest OPIT inauguration event was one to remember, with the institute celebrating several notable milestones. These included the first graduation of the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program, and the unveiling of new industry connections and corporate partners offering opportunities for graduates.
Various guest speakers were in attendance, including the former Italian Minister of Education and current OPIT Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, plus the CEO of Malta’s accreditation authority MFHEA, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri.
OPIT founder, Riccardo Ocleppo, also took to the stage to highlight the transformative role of education and the unique possibilities offered by the online-only OPIT degrees, stating:
“When we launched OPIT in 2022, we wanted to prove that an online degree could be rigorous, international, deeply connected to the world of work, and engaging. Three years later, we can already see results. This year alone, 300 new students are joining us, representing 98 nationalities.”
Those hundreds of new students were also, naturally, in attendance for their big inauguration day, welcomed into the institute’s various BSc and MSc programs in specialties like Computer Science, Digital Business, Digital Business and Innovation, and Cybersecurity.
Introducing Rem ‘Kuya Dev’ Lampa
As mentioned, one of the new students joining was vlogger and podcaster, Kuya Dev.
Already boasting extensive experience and technical expertise in the computing world, Kuya Dev has founded several tech communities, including Tech Career Shifter Philippines and Server-Side JavaScript.
He describes himself as an advocate for responsible AI and tech practices, and once gave a powerful TEDx talk about the negative potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including its large carbon footprint and involving exploitation of workers in emerging nations. So, it was only fitting that he signed up for OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI.
The MSc in Responsible AI Program
A postgraduate program lasting three or four terms (between 12 and 24 months, total), OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is an accredited program that combines technical skills with a core focus on the ethical implications of AI technology.
It explores real-world use cases of AI and ways in which this exciting and powerful technology can be used responsibly and sustainably, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative change in areas such as the environment and society as a whole.
Students of this program enjoy all the usual benefits that come with studying at OPIT, like flexible-paced learning, tutors available on a daily basis, a dynamic and engaging online learning environment, and fair, progressive assessments over time.
Those who graduate can move into careers in AI Application Development, AI Research, and AI Business Consulting.
Highlights and Impressions of Kuya Dev’s Inauguration Experience
Inauguration is always a special moment in any student’s academic journey as they take their first tentative yet exciting steps towards new knowledge and skills that can unlock their potential and accelerate their development.
It can even be a “make-or-break” moment in which students can either feel welcomed, empowered, and eager to begin their studies, or, conversely, experience feelings of worry, doubt, or regret if the inauguration lacks the spark they were hoping to feel.
Fortunately, Kuya Dev and his many fellow new OPIT students had a very positive experience at the inauguration event, with the vlogger calling it both “very fruitful” and “very insightful.” Some of the specific highlights he mentioned included:
An International Community
Early in the inauguration event, Kuya Dev heard from Professor Francesco Profumo about how OPIT was welcoming students from over 90 countries.
This, for Kuya Dev and for so many other students, is one of the big perks of studying with OPIT. It allows students to meet, engage, and exchange with people from dozens of different backgrounds, cultures, and communities, learning new ways of thinking and collaborating.
Real World Applications
The OPIT inauguration also focused on another of the university’s key features: a focus not merely on imparting knowledge to students or making them memorize facts, figures, and theorems, but actually teaching them how to apply that knowledge and ideas to real-world uses.
Kuya Dev commented on how other universities that he had considered attending appeared more conventional and limited in their approach, and also shared his excitement and enthusiasm at OPIT’s unique approach, focusing more on genuine industry collaboration and real-life scenarios.
Inspiring Speakers
The vlogger and podcaster also commented on the various key speakers who hosted the event. He was pleased to see that they were not only academically oriented but also all had real-world experience and a diverse range of working backgrounds in fields like politics.
This, too, is part of what makes OPIT different. It features a winning team of international tutors, professors, and experts from diverse fields, including the aforementioned former Italian Education Minister, education executives, research chairs, digital content creation specialists, and more.
Graduate Experiences
Finally, Kuya Dev noted how several OPIT graduates spoke to those about to follow the same path they did, including students from nations as diverse as the U.S., Italy, and Nigeria.
They all shared their experiences and detailed what they enjoyed most about studying with OPIT, including key factors such as professors who took the time to get to know their students, as well as the depth of the topics and knowledge covered in each course.
A Successful First Step Into OPIT Education
All in all, the recent inauguration event was a major success for all involved, giving students like Kuya Dev the ideal introduction to life and study with OPIT. He, like so many of his new fellow students, left the event eager and excited to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons in unique ways that only OPIT can provide.
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