In particular, the hype around AI rests on the idea that innovation will drive productivity, which will drive growth and strengthen competitiveness, ultimately improving welfare. That said, given how many different technologies are lumped together in the AI category—everything from facial recognition technology to smart ad tech, ChatGPT, and advanced robotics—it makes little sense to talk about good innovation and “AI and productivity” in the abstract. Europe doesn’t need to blindly embrace every aspect of AI or shape its innovation policy around the idea that survival depends on leading the global race–or, as European Commission President Ursula von Leyen emphasizes, “to succeed in the race to the top.”