The imminent transformative wave of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is setting Ireland and Europe on the verge of extraordinary shifts, according to major tech firms. These changes carry potential risks, hence corporations must collaborate with governments to alleviate fears, they will inform an Oireachtas committee.
On Wednesday, figures from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft are scheduled to present at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss the recent advancements in the technology and the probable consequences on the local industries.
They are likely to be challenged by committee members on various matters such as the effects of AI implementation on employment and employee rights and the comparatively sluggish uptake of AI amongst domestic businesses. However, while there is a robust demand for AI instruments, Europe could risk losing its portion unless issues around regulations, digital capabilities, and technology accessibility are addressed.
AI technology presents “numerous opportunities” for Ireland, Microsoft’s Kieran McCorry and Jeremy Rollison will highlight, while also posing valid concerns on its usage. Microsoft reveals plans to release new AI tools, adopting a “careful and mindful approach” through liaisons with government entities.
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act arrangement was authorised last week by European leaders, an unprecedented regulation intending to set a shared legal construction for the technology throughout the region.
There is substantial alignment and support for responsible AI, but increased collaboration is needed between various government sectors and agencies including Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices, according to McCorry and Rollison.
Moreover, Google Ireland’s Ryan Meade will inform the committee that Google is tackling AI in a “confident and responsible” manner, pledging to “collaborate with governments and experts to identify and mitigate possible risks”.
A fortnight ago, consultancy firms KPMG, EY, and Accenture told the committee that AI offers the Republic the chance to position itself as a global leader in AI innovation but warned it could cause huge disruption unless there is a significant skills upgrade across the broader workforce.