AI at a Crossroads: DWIH San Francisco Launches 2026 Science for Society Series

The expert panel featured Dr. Henriette Canino, Partnership & Impact Officer at the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), and Joanna Smolinska, Counsellor for Digital and Deputy Head of the European Union Office in San Francisco. The discussion was moderated by Zahar Barth-Manzoori, Director of DWIH San Francisco.

The discussion centered on the growing divergence between regulatory approaches emerging in different parts of the world. While international organizations have developed a range of AI governance principles and frameworks, speakers noted that global coordination remains largely non-binding and fragmented, leaving national and regional governments to take the lead in shaping concrete regulations.

A key focus of the discussion was the contrast between California’s and the European Union’s approaches to AI governance. Henriette Canino explored how California has emerged as a leading policy laboratory within the United States, advancing legislation such as Senate Bill 53 (the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act) aimed at regulating frontier AI models and mitigating catastrophic risks. In contrast, Joanna Smolinska outlined how the EU has established a comprehensive risk-based framework through the AI Act, which applies obligations across the entire AI value chain and categorizes systems according to different levels of risk.

The panel also examined how different regulatory philosophies reflect broader policy priorities. While California’s approach emphasizes targeted oversight intended to preserve innovation, the EU places greater emphasis on risk mitigation, consumer protection, and comprehensive compliance requirements. Speakers discussed how these contrasting models are shaping global debates about the appropriate balance between fostering technological development and safeguarding society from potential harm.

A further topic of discussion was the growing complexity organizations face as AI regulations evolve across jurisdictions. As regional leaders increasingly set their own standards, companies, researchers, and policymakers must navigate a patchwork of rules and compliance requirements. The panel stressed the importance of international dialogue and cooperation to reduce fragmentation while preserving flexibility for innovation.

The event attracted participants from academia, industry, government, and the transatlantic startup community, reflecting the broad societal implications of AI governance. Through discussions such as these, DWIH San Francisco aims to provide a prominent platform for transatlantic exchange on emerging technologies and their impact on society.

The Science for Society series brings together experts from Europe and the United States to explore how scientific and technological developments shape our society and institutions. By fostering dialogue across sectors and borders, the series aims to strengthen international collaboration on some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

DWIH San Francisco prepared an AI White Paper highlighting the key insights from the discussion. You can download the document here.