6th November 2026
Minister for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD, today represented the Government of Ireland at the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026, one of Europe's leading forums on digital innovation, artificial intelligence and public sector transformation
The Summit, held in Tallinn, Estonia, brings together international political leaders, policymakers, technology experts and industry stakeholders to examine how democratic societies can harness artificial intelligence to strengthen competitiveness, security and public services. This year's theme focused on "How to Thrive in the Agentic Era? Competitiveness. Security. Efficiency."
Minister Smyth participated in a high-level panel discussion entitled "How Can Europe Pay for its Innovation during Polycrisis?", alongside senior representatives from the European Investment Fund, UniCredit and Burda Principal Investments. The discussion examined how Europe can mobilise public and private capital to support innovation, strengthen competitiveness and build economic resilience amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
Speaking after the event, Minister Smyth said:
"Ireland's future prosperity depends on our ability to embrace innovation, support entrepreneurship and harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
"Europe has no shortage of talent, ideas or ambition. The challenge is ensuring that innovative businesses can access the investment they need to grow and scale here in Europe.
"Through our National Digital and AI Strategy and our wider enterprise policies, Ireland is committed to creating the conditions that allow innovation to flourish while ensuring that technology provided is safe, deployed responsibly, securely and in the public interest."
During the Summit, Minister Smyth also held a series of bilateral engagements with leading international figures in digital government, artificial intelligence and public sector transformation. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in digital services, responsible AI adoption, innovation policy and public sector reform.
The Minister highlighted Ireland's ambition to become a global leader in applied and trustworthy artificial intelligence through initiatives including the Government's recently launched Intelligence: Applied programme and the wider Digital Ireland strategy, which are supporting businesses, workers and public services to benefit from AI technologies.
Minister Smyth added:
"AI is not simply a technology agenda. It is fundamentally about better outcomes for people, businesses and communities.
"Ireland's approach is centred on building public trust, investing in skills, supporting innovation and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared across society.
"The conversations in Tallinn demonstrate the importance of international cooperation as countries work together to realise the opportunities of AI while protecting democratic values and public trust."
The Minister also acknowledged Estonia's international reputation as a leader in digital government and welcomed continued collaboration between Ireland and Estonia on digital transformation, innovation and public service modernisation. Bilateral trade between Ireland and Estonia has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the strengthening relationship between both countries.
ENDS
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