Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of a suite of digital technologies which will play a major role in shaping global competitiveness and productivity over the coming decades, granting early adopters significant societal, economic and strategic advantages.
National AI strategy
In the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy AI Here for Good Ireland sets out the ambition to be an international leader in using AI to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use.
AI opportunities for business
There is a big opportunity for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to reap a productivity dividend from AI (as well as other digital technologies).
To achieve this, the department is working with industry to drive widespread adoption of AI across enterprise through a phased approach of awareness building, opportunities to experiment with and pilot AI applications, assistance with planning and capacity building for AI, and help for implementation of AI solutions. Businesses that want help in beginning their AI journey can contact Enterprise Ireland or their Local Enterprise Office.
An AI Innovation Hub will also be established, as part of Ireland’s planned programme of European Digital Innovation Hubs, to act as a National First Stop for AI, providing expertise and guidance to enterprises on their AI adoption journey.
Demystifying AI
The more people who understand and trust in the potential of AI, the more who will embrace it. The Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation has appointed Dr Patricia Scanlon as Ireland’s first AI ambassador, to demystify AI and lead a meaningful engagement with the public on the governance and use of AI.
Dr Scanlon is also the Founder and Executive Chair of SoapBox Labs, which provides proprietary voice technology for children. She holds a PhD and has 25 years’ experience working in software engineering, speech recognition and AI.
National Youth Assembly on AI
Watch on YouTube: National Youth Assembly on AI 2022 - YouTube
On 12 October 2022, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment held a National Youth Assembly on AI in cooperation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This event brough together young people from around the country to discuss AI and to present their recommendations to government so that the government could hear their attitudes, hopes and concerns in relation to AI and its implementation in Ireland.
This event focused on four specific strands of the National AI Strategy, and featured workshops with subject matter experts:
- AI and society
- A governance ecosystem that promotes trustworthy AI
- AI serving the public
- AI education, skills and talent
The event also afforded young people an opportunity to discuss their views directly with Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary.
The National Youth Assembly is a key deliverable under the National AI Strategy and a part of the Strategy’s broader objective around demystifying AI and building public trust in the technology as a force for societal good in Ireland.