Press release
Minister Calleary travels to Stockholm for meetings on Artificial Intelligence
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Digital Transformation and Trade Promotion, Dara Calleary, today (Tuesday, 23 May) is in Stockholm to highlight Ireland’s work to promote digital transformation and the ethical use and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As part of his visit to Sweden, he will take part in a high-level roundtable on AI, hosted by the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai. The meeting gathers leaders from government and industry for a discussion on the latest digital technology developments and how to boost Europe's innovation and competitiveness.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the Minister said:
"My visit to Stockholm will allow me to discuss and hear directly about the potential for AI to enhance innovation in Europe and how we can harness the technology to improve our lives and society in areas like healthcare, climate, education and business competitiveness.
"This gathering of the leading European digital frontrunners, along with Google, shows the importance of governments and industry working together to harness the opportunities of AI and also working to ensure that the technology is aligned with human-values and ethically founded.
"We know that AI is a powerful and fast evolving technology that is and will continue to have huge impacts on our economy and society. It is changing the way we work and live, and opening up new ways to address problems in almost every field.
"As a government, we have been preparing for the inevitable acceleration in the development and uptake of AI. Ireland’s AI Ambassador has been an important voice to help demystify and promote informed conversations on the use and deployment of AI, and work continues under the National AI Strategy, most importantly on the development of regulation, guidelines, and standards for the ethical use of AI."
Minister Calleary will meet with representatives of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Sweden and Enterprise Ireland client companies operating in the Nordic region. and will also meet with the Swedish State Secretary for EU Affairs, Christian Danielsson.
Commenting on bilateral trade with Sweden, the Minister said:
"Sweden consistently ranks as one of the most innovative countries in the world. With 560 Enterprise Ireland companies now exporting to the Nordic region - it’s no surprise Sweden and the Nordics region is of growing importance for Irish exporting companies.
"Total trade between Ireland and Sweden reached over €8.62 billion euros per year in 2021. In 2022 exports of Enterprise Ireland supported companies to the Nordic region reached €1.33 billion - an 11% growth on the previous year.
"Our strong trading links are based on mutually beneficial relationships and our two countries share ambitions for a sustainable future. I look forward to engaging with our partners on these issues as well as meeting businesses on the ground."
The Google Frontrunners Roundtable on “The future of AI and Europe’s innovation and competitiveness opportunity” gathers representatives from Ireland, Czechia, the Nordic, Benelux, and Baltic countries.