The European Union’s recently adopted AI Act sets an ambitious agenda: by August 2026, every Member State must establish AI regulatory sandboxes—controlled environments designed to foster innovation while testing and refining regulatory approaches. To contribute to this mission, FARI, in collaboration with the Research Group on Law, Science, Technology & Society (LSTS), is hosting a Lunch Talk to officially launch the report “From Blueprint to Reality: Implementing AI Regulatory Sandboxes under the AI Act”.

Event Overview

This lunch talk marks the culmination of the research conducted by Nathan Genicot, a postdoctoral researcher at LSTS-VUB, funded by FARI. The event will showcase the findings of his work, which investigates:

– The legal framework for AI regulatory sandboxes under the AI Act.
– Existing sandbox initiatives across Europe.
– Recommendations for developing an AI regulatory sandbox in Belgium.

The session will open with a networking lunch, followed by a presentation of the report and a panel discussion featuring expert speakers who will share their insights and experiences.

Agenda

– 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch and networking
– 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Discussion
– 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM: Presentation of the report by Nathan Genicot.
– 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Panelist reactions (10 minutes each):

Malgorzata Nikowska: Head of the Unit “Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Policy Coordination” at the European Commission’s AI Office, presenting the European Commission’s perspective on AI sandbox coordination.

Anne-Charlotte Recker: Member of the Executive Committee of the Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA), offering insights into the national regulatory landscape.

Cas Mevissen: Senior Policy Officer Artificial Intelligence, Ministry of Economic Affairs, The Netherlands

– 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM: Open discussion with the audience.

Target Audience

This event is tailored for:
– Researchers and academics in AI, law, and policy.
– Civil servants and representatives of public institutions.
– Think tanks, non-profits, and advocacy groups.
– Industry professionals and companies engaged in AI development and governance.

Why Attend?

This event offers a unique opportunity to:
– Engage with thought leaders and policymakers in the field of AI regulation.
– Gain insights into the practical implementation of AI regulatory sandboxes under the AI Act.
– Contribute to the ongoing dialogue on AI innovation and compliance in Belgium and beyond.