Belgium - AI for Common Good

Overview

The FARI AI for the Common Good Institute is a flagship initiative of the Brussels-Capital Region, officially launched in March 2021 during the Belgian AI Week. It represents a unique collaborative effort between the region's two major universities, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The institute was established to bridge the gap between advanced academic research in artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics and the practical needs of the public sector and civil society. By focusing on the 'common good,' the initiative seeks to ensure that technological advancements are leveraged to solve pressing urban challenges rather than solely serving commercial interests. The institute serves as a hub for over 300 researchers who work across 15 different disciplines, including law, ethics, social sciences, and engineering. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex socio-technical challenges posed by the deployment of AI in urban environments. Financially, the institute is supported by a substantial investment of approximately €10 million, provided through a combination of regional grants from Innoviris and Paradigm.brussels, and significant funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) under the NextGenerationEU program. This funding is specifically earmarked for projects that facilitate the digital and green transitions within the Brussels-Capital Region. The institute operates as a non-profit, independent entity that brings together academic excellence and regional policy goals to create a responsible innovation ecosystem.

Definitions

The FARI initiative adopts the European Commission’s working definition of Artificial Intelligence, characterizing it as systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking action—with some degree of autonomy—to achieve specific goals. This broad definition encompasses algorithmic decision-making, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Within the FARI framework, 'AI for the Common Good' is defined as the application of these technologies to enhance the public interest, specifically targeting areas such as health, mobility, climate action, and social inclusion. Furthermore, the institute emphasizes 'Trustworthy AI,' which must be lawful, ethical, and robust. It adheres to the seven key requirements for responsible AI established by the EU High-Level Expert Group: human agency and oversight; technical robustness and safety; privacy and data governance; transparency; diversity, non-discrimination, and fairness; societal and environmental well-being; and accountability. These definitions serve as the foundational criteria for all research projects and pilot programs undertaken by the institute, ensuring alignment with broader European regulatory trends and humanistic values. The term 'Common Good' in this context specifically refers to outcomes that benefit the majority of the population, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure the sustainable development of the urban ecosystem.

Governance and Institutional Framework

The governance of FARI is structured to ensure both academic excellence and regional policy alignment. It is coordinated by two key regional bodies: Innoviris, the Brussels institute for research and innovation, and Paradigm (formerly CIRB), the digital transition agency for the Brussels-Capital Region. This coordination ensures that the institute’s research priorities reflect the strategic goals of the Brussels Regional Innovation Plan (2021-2027). The scientific leadership is provided by a Scientific Board, currently co-led by prominent professors from VUB and ULB, ensuring that the institute remains at the cutting edge of technological and ethical research. The institute is physically and operationally organized into three distinct hubs. The Research and Innovation Hub focuses on interdisciplinary academic projects; the AI, Data and Society Think Tank analyzes the societal impacts and ethical implications of technology; and the AI Test and Experience Hub provides a space for citizens, businesses, and public administrations to interact with and test new technologies. This tripartite structure allows FARI to act as a 'Living Lab' for the city, where innovations are not just developed in isolation but are tested and refined in direct consultation with the stakeholders they are intended to serve. The governance model also includes a Steering Committee that oversees the financial and administrative aspects of the institute, ensuring that the RRF funding is used effectively and in compliance with European regulations.

Key Focus Areas

FARI prioritizes several domains identified as critical for the sustainable development of the Brussels-Capital Region. In the field of health and well-being, the institute develops AI tools to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize hospital resource management, and enhance personalized care. Environmental sustainability is another core pillar, with projects focusing on the 'green transition,' such as using AI to monitor air quality, optimize energy consumption in public buildings, and support the circular economy through better waste management systems. Mobility and urban planning are also central to the institute’s mission. FARI researchers work on 'Digital Twin' projects that create virtual models of the city to simulate and optimize traffic flows, public transport routes, and urban infrastructure developments. Additionally, the institute focuses on administrative simplification, using AI to help public services become more efficient and accessible to citizens. This includes pilot projects aimed at improving the matching of job seekers with employment opportunities and using data analytics to enhance animal welfare monitoring within the region. Social inclusion is a cross-cutting theme, ensuring that AI tools do not reinforce existing biases or exclude marginalized populations from accessing public services. By focusing on these specific areas, FARI aims to demonstrate that AI can be a powerful tool for improving the quality of life in a densely populated urban environment.

Implementation Framework

The implementation of the FARI initiative is driven by a series of pilot projects and long-term research programs funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan. These projects are designed to demonstrate the practical utility of AI for public administration. For instance, in 2022, FARI launched four major pilot projects in collaboration with the Brussels government, focusing on employment services, animal welfare, and the development of a regional AI strategy. These pilots serve as proof-of-concepts that can be scaled up to benefit the entire region. Beyond research, the implementation framework includes the 'FARI Academy,' which provides training and lifelong learning opportunities for public servants, professionals, and citizens. This educational component is vital for fostering 'AI literacy' and ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the digital transition. The institute also supports entrepreneurship through an AI for the Common Good incubator program, which helps startups develop socially responsible business models and provides them with access to the institute’s testing facilities and expert network. The implementation strategy also emphasizes 'Open Science' and 'Open Data,' encouraging the sharing of research findings and datasets to foster a collaborative innovation environment. By providing both the technical tools and the necessary training, FARI ensures that the digital transition is inclusive and sustainable.

Monitoring and Evaluation

As a recipient of EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funding, FARI is subject to rigorous monitoring and evaluation protocols. The Belgian National Plan for Recovery and Resilience defines specific milestones and targets that the institute must meet to continue receiving disbursements. These include the completion of pilot projects, the establishment of a multidisciplinary team of experts, and the delivery of specific AI services to local authorities, such as digital twin support and advisory activities. Internal monitoring is conducted through the Scientific Board and the coordinating regional agencies (Innoviris and Paradigm). The institute is also required to report on its adherence to ethical standards and its impact on regional innovation priorities. Evaluation criteria include the level of citizen engagement, the number of public administrations supported, and the successful integration of AI tools into public service workflows. These regular assessments ensure that the institute remains accountable to both the regional government and the European Commission. Furthermore, the institute undergoes periodic external audits to verify the financial integrity of its operations and the scientific quality of its outputs. This robust monitoring framework is designed to ensure that the public investment in FARI yields tangible benefits for the citizens of Brussels.

Penalties, Liability, and Appeals

While FARI is primarily a research and innovation framework rather than a penalizing regulatory body, it operates under strict grant agreements that include financial and ethical compliance requirements. Non-compliance with the terms of the Innoviris or RRF grants can lead to the suspension or withdrawal of funding. Furthermore, all researchers and partners must adhere to the FARI Code of Conduct, which establishes guidelines for integrity, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Violations of this code can result in internal disciplinary actions or the termination of partnerships. In terms of liability, the institute emphasizes 'Accountability by Design.' This means that projects must include mechanisms for identifying and mitigating risks related to bias, privacy breaches, or technical failures. While the institute itself provides guidance and testing, the legal liability for the deployment of AI systems remains with the specific public administration or company implementing the technology. However, FARI provides a framework for 'Ethical Impact Assessments' to help these entities navigate the legal complexities of the GDPR and the upcoming EU AI Act, thereby reducing the risk of litigation or regulatory penalties. Any disputes regarding the allocation of funding or the results of evaluations can be appealed through the administrative channels of Innoviris or the relevant regional courts, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all stakeholders.

Relationship to Other Instruments

The FARI initiative is deeply integrated into the broader European and Belgian legal landscape. It serves as a proactive implementation of the principles found in the EU AI Act, particularly regarding high-risk AI systems used in public services. By providing a testing ground for 'Trustworthy AI,' FARI helps local entities comply with the Act’s requirements for transparency, human oversight, and robustness. The institute also operates in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that all data-driven projects prioritize data subject rights and privacy-enhancing technologies. At the regional level, FARI is a cornerstone of the 'Go4Brussels' strategic plan and the Regional Innovation Plan (2021-2027). It complements other Belgian initiatives such as AI4Belgium and the Flemish AI Action Plan, fostering synergy between different levels of government. By aligning its research with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the OECD AI Principles, FARI ensures that the Brussels-Capital Region contributes to global efforts to govern technology in the interest of humanity and the environment. The institute also collaborates with the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) to ensure that its services are accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent, further strengthening its role within the European innovation ecosystem.

International Alignment

FARI actively positions the Brussels-Capital Region as a leader in the global 'AI for Good' movement. It is the official representative of CLAIRE (Confédération des Laboratoires pour la Recherche en Intelligence Artificielle en Europe) in Brussels, facilitating collaboration with top-tier research institutions across the continent. This international network allows FARI to exchange best practices and participate in large-scale European research projects, such as the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network. In November 2025, FARI led the launch of the Public Interest AI Network (PIAI Network), a global alliance that includes prestigious partners such as the Mila Institute in Canada, the University of São Paulo in Brazil, and RIKEN in Japan. This network aims to create shared frameworks for ensuring that AI serves the public interest worldwide. By participating in such international forums, FARI ensures that its local activities are informed by global standards and that the 'Brussels model' of human-centric AI innovation is shared with the international community. The institute also engages in science diplomacy, hosting international delegations and participating in global summits on AI governance. This international outreach not only enhances the reputation of Brussels as a center for ethical innovation but also ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of global technological trends and regulatory developments.

Implementation Timeline

Sources and References