As the European Union takes significant strides in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) through the EU AI Act, the crucial task of bridging the gap between principles and practical implementation becomes evident. Serving as a foundational framework, the act outlines ethical guidelines and regulatory measures to govern the development and deployment of AI technologies across the region. However, achieving harmonisation among member states, involving stakeholders such as government entities, AI system providers, users, and importers and distributors of AI systems, poses a challenge.

The focus of harmonisation efforts primarily lies on providers and users, with the potential hurdles arising from deviations that may jeopardise the creation of a secure environment. To address this, operational plans are essential, as they serve as the smaller units necessary for the successful fulfilment of the EU AI Act's purpose.

An AI Operational Plan is a strategic and comprehensive document outlining specific steps for the development, deployment, and ongoing management of AI systems. This plan acts as a roadmap, connecting theoretical principles with the practical implementation of AI technologies and ensuring ethical, responsible, and effective use.

Emphasising ethical considerations such as transparency, accountability, and human-centric AI, the EU AI Act underscores the importance of incorporating these principles into actionable guidelines. These guidelines should prioritise fairness, non-discrimination, and user privacy.

Building a robust AI ecosystem requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. The AI Operations Plan must facilitate cross-sector partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices to collectively address challenges. Collaborative platforms and research hubs can promote innovation while incorporating diverse perspectives into AI system development.

Ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is vital for the successful implementation of the EU AI Act. The AI Operations Plan should include initiatives for capacity building, training programmes, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about AI ethics and responsible usage, empowering professionals across sectors to contribute to AI system development in line with EU guidelines.

Operational planning, with roots in military operations and evolving through the Industrial Revolution and the advent of ERP systems, continues to adapt to changing organisational needs. To realise the potential of AI responsibly and sustainably, an effective AI operations plan must align principles with actionable strategies.

AI Operational Planning vs. Strategic Planning:

AI Operational Planning:

1. Focus: Primarily concerned with the day-to-day implementation and execution of AI technologies.
2. Timeframe: short- to medium-term focus, addressing immediate challenges, and ensuring smooth AI application functioning.
3. Scope: Narrower, dealing with specific AI applications, projects, or processes.
4. Components: Involves guidelines for day-to-day operations, risk management, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance.
5. Example Tasks: Creating data handling protocols, defining workflows for AI model deployment, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

AI Strategic Planning:

1. Focus: Concerned with the overarching vision, mission, and long-term objectives of AI within the organisation.
2. Timeframe: long-term focus, looking ahead to several years or decades.
3. Scope: Broader, considering overall organisational strategy, market positioning, and competitive advantage.
4. Components: This involves defining the role of AI in achieving strategic goals, assessing the competitive landscape, and setting long-term AI-related objectives.
5. Example Tasks: determining how AI can create a competitive advantage, setting goals for AI-driven innovation, and establishing partnerships for AI initiatives.

Relationship Between the Two:

• Complementary Roles: Operational plans are guided by the strategic vision set in the strategic plan.
• Feedback Loop: Insights from operational execution inform adjustments to the strategic plan.
• Dynamic Interaction: Strategic planning sets the direction, while operational planning ensures day-to-day success and effectiveness, keeping AI aligned with broader goals.

In conclusion, AI operational planning, adapted to the unique nature of member states, sets a precedent for global AI governance and contributes to the sustainable growth of the EU's AI ecosystem.