First AI white paper calls for major measures and investment in artificial intelligence research - NZ Herald

If New Zealand does not invest in artificial intelligence research, its AI capabilities will only be efficient software running in the cloud of large overseas companies, creating risk for the country's technology and data sovereignty independence. This is a conclusion of the first white paper issued by New Zealand's Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association, which says our universities and research institutes have very strong AI research with "huge breadth and potential". "It is imperative to create and invest in an AI ecosystem where industry and research organisations can work together more closely for the benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand," said the paper. AI was profoundly changing how people live and work, and its cumulative impact was likely to be comparable to transformative technologies such as electricity or the internet. "As a result it is imperative that we take a strategic approach to realising the potential benefits offered by AI and to protecting people against the potential risks," the paper said.