Latest news with #GovernmentAIReadinessIndex
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Geopolitics Accelerates Emerging Technology Investment In Europe
Geopolitical Shifts Drive Increased Investment in Emerging Technologies Across Europe Contrary to continued popular misconception, this isn't a story about European firms lagging behind in technology adoption or a lack of innovative startups. For example, when we look back at AI adoption rates across Europe in 2020, the European rates weren't that different from what we were seeing elsewhere; most of the software, however, was procured from non-European companies, mostly US-based providers. As for Europe's emerging tech startups, the best tended to be snapped up by US firms (e.g., DeepMind, acquired by Google) or chose to move their headquarters to the US in order to grow (e.g., Spotify). While all of this is still the case today, recent geopolitical developments have resulted in a concerted drive toward reducing that dependency. EU initiatives include the AI continent action plan, the aim of which is for the EU to become 'a global leader in artificial intelligence' and a leading AI continent. Less than a month after the AI plan launch, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in early May announced the no less ambitious Choose Europe for Science drive, which seeks to attract international research talent to the EU with grants and reduced bureaucracy. The UK, ranked fifth in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index and first in Western Europe, has laid out its own AI Opportunities Action Plan, even though it's not clear yet how much government funding will be available. So with all of this in mind, let's look at a few of the emerging technologies from our top 10 list through a European lens: Learn more about Forrester's top 10 emerging technologies for 2025 here. This post was written by VP, Principal Analyst Martha Bennet and VP, Principal Analyst Paul Miller, the blog originally featured here.
Irish Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
First AI committee to examine ‘urgent' concern for democracy
'Increasingly urgent' concern around the potential subversion of Ireland's electoral system is to be investigated by the incoming Oireachtas committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is likely to feed into a forthcoming renewal of Government strategy on cyber security. The committee, chaired by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne , will meet for the first time on Tuesday in a closed session. It is likely to spearhead much of the State's discussions around the rapidly developing technology, widely perceived to bring threat and opportunity in equal measure. A detailed position paper circulated to committee members in the run up to its inaugural session outlines the various critical areas of AI application it will address, as well as lists of potential expert witnesses. READ MORE [ AI to be used in drafting Government department documents Opens in new window ] [ Major differences in how Government departments and agencies approach AI use Opens in new window ] 'The use of artificial intelligence with specific regard to our democratic processes and electoral systems presents a real and increasingly urgent concern,' it said. 'The deployment of AI to spread misinformation and undermine elections has already been seen in Taiwan, Moldova, Slovakia, United States and Indonesia. These concerns are also developing in an international security context.' Article 5 of the recently adopted draft European framework convention on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy and the rule of law requires Ireland to adopt measures to protect against AI systems designed to undermine democratic institutions and processes. Key witnesses likely to be called by the committee in this area include dominant social media companies such as X and TikTok, and representatives of media. The committee will also consider economic implications , taking note of a recent report from the Department of Finance that estimated as much as 60 per cent of jobs could be placed in jeopardy. A scoping paper on the 'disruptive impacts' on the workforce is expected to be published by Government before the summer recess. Indigenous industries, particularly SMEs, will be considered in terms of how best to harness the economic opportunities presented by the growing AI sector. The committee has noted, however, Ireland's reduced ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index, falling to 20th position from 17th in 2021. Other areas of AI application have attracted concern in recent years, particularly in policing . The paper noted that real time AI-driven facial recognition software was deployed by the UK's Metropolitan Police during the coronation of King Charles. 'As one can imagine, AI in policing and amongst the judiciary has sparked a great deal of debate,' the paper said. Ireland's National Cyber Security Strategy is due to expire in 2025 and the committee expects to be 'well placed to feed into the drafting of the new strategy'. It will act as something of a think tank around policy and practical use, and represents the latest layer of Government preparation for the technology's anticipated dominance following the development of a national AI strategy, the appointment of an AI ambassador and the establishment of an independent AI Advisory Council. Mindful of its role in promoting AI adoption, the committee expects to use the technology in its own work, in summarising minutes and testimonies, and has suggested its members might be willing to explore the use of AI devices in healthcare settings. It will explore the development of commercial AI by various companies including Open AI and Google, and invite relevant witnesses.
Kuwait News Agency
08-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Oman accelerates AI's integration into economic sectors
اقتصاد LOC17:07 14:07 GMT Report by Oman News Agency (ONA) as part of the economy file of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) MUSCAT, May 7 (KUNA) -- Oman is implementing executive programs as part of its digital economy initiative, with artificial intelligence (AI) being at its core, with aim of promoting AI use in economic and development sectors, localize AI technologies and ensure human-centered governance of these applications. Oman advanced five positions in the Government AI Readiness Index in 2024, ranking 45th globally among 193 countries. The country adopted the National Program for AI and Advanced Digital Technologies, focusing on three main pillars: promoting and adopting AI in economic and developmental sectors, localizing AI technologies, and governing AI and advanced digital applications with a human-centered vision. The national program has achieved several milestones that contributed to accelerating digital transformation in Oman. One such achievement includes organizing the "Engineer it with AI" competition, which led to the development of AI-based solutions and applications. Eight applications qualified and were made available on various digital platforms. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has carried out several pilot projects to test AI solutions and technologies in limited environments before wider deployment. These projects aim to assess ideas, support innovation and mitigate risks. Notable experiments include Agricultural census using AI, smart urban planning, facial recognition system, air quality monitoring, smart quantity scanner, aerial surveying using drones and smart aquaculture farms. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation launched a strategic research program in the telecommunications and IT sector, to support research aligned with national priorities. Among 32 research proposals, a project called "Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks Associated with Using Generative AI in Education," submitted by the National University of Science and Technology, was selected. The project achieved qualitative progress, including the development of smart models and extensive educational data analysis. It aims to create a national framework for evaluating the impact of AI in education, supporting the country's push towards innovation and digital transformation. Oman also seeks to accelerate AI integration across various economic sectors through the "AI Economy" initiative, which supports economic diversification, builds national capacities and contributes to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Several innovative government projects have been approved under this initiative, including: national Center for Virtual Health, geological data analysis, environmental Information Bank, global "Ain" Platform, investment Data Dashboard, smart electronic gates in Dhofar, smart management systems, training program management and a program supporting promising Omani companies. Dr. Salem Al Shuaili, Director of AI and Advanced Technologies Projects Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said some OMR 10 million were allocated for AI Economy projects in 2023, and about OMR 15 million in 2024 to implement several innovative AI projects. In a statement to the Omani News Agency, he added the sultanate aimed to be among the top countries in the Government AI Readiness Index, increase the number of AI-focused startups, and boost investments in AI technologies by 20 percent annually. Between 2021 and 2024, AI investments in Oman reached OMR 60 million. Regarding ongoing AI projects, he explained that the Ministry was currently working on a national project to develop a local language model called "Oman GPT," aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government entities through generative AI. The ministry is also developing the "Oman Studio," designed to bridge the gap between AI enthusiasts, innovators and market needs, contributing to Oman's GDP through AI innovations and localized applications across sectors. He said a Fourth Industrial Revolution Center was being established in Oman to localize AI technologies and leverage global expertise in developing advanced technology projects. This center will be the sixth of its kind in the Middle East and the 22nd globally. (end) eng Oman is localizing AI technologies and ensuring human-centered governance Artificial Intelligence Applications Artificial Intelligence Applications
Kuwait News Agency
07-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Following is a report by Oman News Agency (ONA) as part of the economy file of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA)
عام LOC17:07 14:07 GMT ECO-OMAN-AI Oman accelerates AI's integration into economic sectors MUSCAT, May 7 (KUNA) -- Oman is implementing executive programs as part of its digital economy initiative, with artificial intelligence (AI) being at its core, with aim of promoting AI use in economic and development sectors, localize AI technologies and ensure human-centered governance of these applications. Oman advanced five positions in the Government AI Readiness Index in 2024, ranking 45th globally among 193 countries. The country adopted the National Program for AI and Advanced Digital Technologies, focusing on three main pillars: promoting and adopting AI in economic and developmental sectors, localizing AI technologies, and governing AI and advanced digital applications with a human-centered vision. The national program has achieved several milestones that contributed to accelerating digital transformation in Oman. One such achievement includes organizing the "Engineer it with AI" competition, which led to the development of AI-based solutions and applications. Eight applications qualified and were made available on various digital platforms. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has carried out several pilot projects to test AI solutions and technologies in limited environments before wider deployment. These projects aim to assess ideas, support innovation and mitigate risks. Notable experiments include Agricultural census using AI, smart urban planning, facial recognition system, air quality monitoring, smart quantity scanner, aerial surveying using drones and smart aquaculture farms. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation launched a strategic research program in the telecommunications and IT sector, to support research aligned with national priorities. Among 32 research proposals, a project called "Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks Associated with Using Generative AI in Education," submitted by the National University of Science and Technology, was selected. The project achieved qualitative progress, including the development of smart models and extensive educational data analysis. It aims to create a national framework for evaluating the impact of AI in education, supporting the country's push towards innovation and digital transformation. Oman also seeks to accelerate AI integration across various economic sectors through the "AI Economy" initiative, which supports economic diversification, builds national capacities and contributes to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Several innovative government projects have been approved under this initiative, including: national Center for Virtual Health, geological data analysis, environmental Information Bank, global "Ain" Platform, investment Data Dashboard, smart electronic gates in Dhofar, smart management systems, training program management and a program supporting promising Omani companies. Dr. Salem Al Shuaili, Director of AI and Advanced Technologies Projects Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said some OMR 10 million were allocated for AI Economy projects in 2023, and about OMR 15 million in 2024 to implement several innovative AI projects. In a statement to the Omani News Agency, he added the sultanate aimed to be among the top countries in the Government AI Readiness Index, increase the number of AI-focused startups, and boost investments in AI technologies by 20 percent annually. Between 2021 and 2024, AI investments in Oman reached OMR 60 million. Regarding ongoing AI projects, he explained that the Ministry was currently working on a national project to develop a local language model called "Oman GPT," aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government entities through generative AI. The ministry is also developing the "Oman Studio," designed to bridge the gap between AI enthusiasts, innovators and market needs, contributing to Oman's GDP through AI innovations and localized applications across sectors. He said a Fourth Industrial Revolution Center was being established in Oman to localize AI technologies and leverage global expertise in developing advanced technology projects. This center will be the sixth of its kind in the Middle East and the 22nd globally. (end) eng
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman fast-tracks Artificial Intelligence for economic transformation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is intensifying efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across various economic sectors as part of its broader digital economy strategy. Central to this initiative is the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which promotes AI adoption in economic and development sectors, localises AI technologies, and ensures responsible governance with a human-centered approach. Oman's focus on AI is yielding results. In 2024, the country climbed five spots to rank 45th globally out of 193 countries on the Government AI Readiness Index. The national AI programme has led to several milestones, including the 'Engineer It with AI' competition, which generated eight qualified generative AI applications now available on digital platforms. To foster innovation and reduce implementation risks, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has piloted a range of AI-powered experiments in controlled settings. These include facial recognition systems, air quality monitoring, AI-driven agricultural census, smart urban planning, drone-based surveying, and intelligent systems for fish farming and construction. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation is backing academic research aligned with national AI priorities. A standout project from the National University of Science and Technology—focused on maximising benefits and minimising risks of generative AI in education—has made notable progress. The research involves building smart models and analysing educational data to create a national framework for AI's impact in the sector. In a bid to accelerate economic diversification, Oman is implementing the 'Artificial Intelligence Economics' initiative, which supports government innovation and AI-based solutions across sectors. Among the approved projects are the National Centre for Virtual Health, Geological Data Analysis, Environmental Information Bank, Ain Media Platform, Investment Dashboard, smart governance portals, and a support program for Omani startups. Dr Salem bin Humaid al Shuaili, Director of AI and Advanced Technologies Projects at MoTCIT, revealed that Oman allocated RO 10 million in 2023 and RO 15 million in 2024 for AI projects. Between 2021 and 2024, total investment in the AI sector reached RO 60 million. Dr Al Shuaili also highlighted the ongoing development of 'Oman GPT,' a national language model to improve public sector efficiency using generative AI. Additionally, the upcoming 'Studio Oman' AI Centre will serve as a platform to bridge innovators with market needs, boost GDP contributions from AI, and localise key digital technologies. Oman is also setting up a Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre—the sixth in the Middle East and 22nd globally—to drive AI localisation and benefit from international expertise. The move underscores Oman's ambition to become a leading nation in AI readiness, attract more startups, and increase annual AI investment by 20%.
