"AI: Here for Good" – Ireland releases national AI strategy

The Government of Ireland released its national AI strategy on Thursday 8th July 2021, presenting it online, with key members of the government and the public sector in attendance. Comprising a 73-page document, the strategy considers AI from three different perspectives: building public trust in AI, leveraging AI for economic and societal benefit, and enablers for AI. These key aspects are detailed in the strategy document, with eight actionable corresponding strands ranging from how to engage and raise awareness of the public about AI, to building a strong AI innovation ecosystem, to nurturing and developing AI skills and talents. Following the European approaches of ethical, human-centred, and trustworthy AI, "The National AI Strategy will serve as a roadmap to an ethical, trustworthy and human-centric design, development, deployment and governance of AI to ensure Ireland can unleash the potential that AI can provide," writes Robert Troy, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation. "Underpinning our Strategy are three core principles to best embrace the opportunities of AI – adopting a human-centric approach to the application of AI; staying open and adaptable to innovations; and ensuring good governance to build trust and confidence for innovation to flourish, because ultimately if AI is to be truly inclusive and have a positive impact on all of us, we need to be clear on its role in our society and ensure that trust is the ultimate marker of success."